The Bangladesh Business Summit will kick off tomorrow with the aim of creating new opportunities for trade and investment by showcasing the country's economic potential before a global audience.

The three-day event will be hosted by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.

Ministers from seven countries, including the UK, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, China and Bhutan, along with more than 200 foreign investors and business leaders are expected to participate in the summit.

The event is being organised as a part of the FBCCI's 50th founding anniversary celebrations.

The summit will highlight the success stories that have set the foundation for Bangladesh's sustainable growth, according to FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin.

"This summit will play an important role in tapping Bangladesh's full economic potential, expanding trade and attracting investments," he said during a press conference at the FBCCI office yesterday.

Business representatives from both home and abroad are having to pay considerable sums as a registration fee to participate in the event.

"This shows that people are very interested in the business environment of Bangladesh. They want to start their business here and so, we have to take this opportunity," Jashim added.

The FBCCI chief said the summit would attract the attention of business leaders and investors from Bangladesh as well as the world over, serving as a platform to create new business opportunities.

He went on to say that participating business leaders, policymakers, business delegates and representatives of international organisations would discuss Bangladesh's potential as well as the state of the global economy.

"As such, the event will play an important role in increasing investment and accelerating economic growth in the country."

Some 750 people have already registered for the summit. Apart from this, a number of people will attend the summit without registration, Jashim added.

The summit will showcase dynamic business investment opportunities and improvements to the local business climate while also giving insights on investment priorities of global investors to improve policy-making.

The summit will also facilitate the exchange of success stories and good practices among investors.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the summit.

Salman F Rahman, the prime minister's adviser on private industry and investment, Tipu Munshi, commerce minister, and AK Abdul Momen, foreign minister, will be present at the inauguration.

The foreign affairs ministry, the commerce ministry and the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority are partnering with the FBCCI for the summit.

There will be three plenary sessions on strategic issues, 13 parallel sessions, business-to-business meets, networking sessions, open house reception and guided tours for international delegates.

The summit will feature the "CNN Experience", which will consist of a series of thought-leadership sessions focusing on the country's business climate, investment opportunities, and future sustainable impetus.