en.Wedoany.com Reported - Global digital operator Veon has announced a commitment of $250 million as an initial anchor investment, part of a new initiative to attract $1 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). Veon owns Bangladeshi telecom operator Banglalink.
A Veon delegation led by Chairman and Board Founder Augie K Fabela II met with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in Dhaka on Monday to discuss the vision of establishing a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem in Bangladesh.
Veon aims to leverage its global fintech expertise to provide millions of underserved Bangladeshis with accessible digital banking, microcredit, and microinsurance services, supporting digital and financial inclusion to help individuals and small businesses create more economic opportunities. Veon also outlined a framework for launching a public-private partnership called "Invest in Bangladesh NOW" in collaboration with the government, including the Ministry of Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Communication Technology, designed to attract $1 billion in FDI through Veon's committed $250 million investment over the coming years.
The proposed $250 million investment will focus on advanced connectivity, next-generation digital infrastructure, digital financial services, and artificial intelligence. Veon stated that beyond its own investment, it intends to leverage its global network to encourage other international investors to explore opportunities in Bangladesh's rapidly growing digital economy.
"By anchoring this $1 billion initiative, we are not just deploying capital but mobilizing global investment into the country's digital future," said Kaan Terzioglu, Group CEO of Veon, in a statement. "Through Banglalink, we will accelerate the deployment of next-generation connectivity, scale inclusive digital financial services, and drive AI-powered solutions to expand access, fuel innovation, and strengthen Bangladesh's position as one of the region's most promising digital economies."
Terzioglu added that Veon and Banglalink also aim to deepen their digital footprint in Bangladesh by exploring new growth areas, including digital banking, education, healthcare, agriculture, ride-sharing, IoT solutions, and advanced connectivity services such as Starlink's Direct-to-Device (D2D) technology, which Banglalink plans to launch later this year.
