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In the increasingly globalised and open market economy, foreign direct investment is crucial for economic growth. The FDI in the form of greenfield investment and mergers and acquisitions not only influences domestic economic growth but also domestic investment which in turn affects the economic growth of the host country. This paper estimates the effects of greenfield investment and mergers and acquisitions on gross fixed capital formation and growth rate in developing countries. Empirically, on panel data from 16 countries for the period 2003-2023, the panel fixed and random effects regressions, 2SLS and panel instrumental variable generalised method of moments estimation are applied. The estimated results show that green?eld investment has a significant positive effect and mergers and acquisitions have no signicant impact both on domestic investment and the growth rate of the host economies. The greenheld investment also has a marginal crowding out effect, less than capital in?ow, on domestic investments and mergers and acquisitions do not contribute to capital accumulation in developing countries.

Keywords: FDI, greenfield investment, mergers and acquisitions, domestic investment, growth, panel IV-GMM estimation

BIMSTEC region was formed with the objective of integrating world trade and getting long-term capital benefits driven by the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area (FTA). But unfortunately, the inter-country trade in the region is relatively low. In the study, the trade statistics, trade potentials and status on the economic freedom index, innovation index and ease of doing business for the BIMSTEC Countries were analyzed to understand the entrepreneurial potentials of the region. Upon the scoring, the Simple Additive Weighing(SAW) Evaluation was applied to measure the best country in the region. The Export potentials of the Bangladeshi Products show that; the first position was Apparel (1), Beverage and Textile Products (2), Fish and Shell Fish, Flex, Harp and Natural Fabric, Food Product, Footwear, Skin, Leather and Products, Vegetables and Vegetal Textile Fibers
jointly ranked (3), Wood Products, Cotton(Fabric), Mineral Products and Nuts ranked 4. The indicators of the SAW Evaluation observed the stated criteria and were added for each country. Based on the weighted score,
the ranking of the countries are: Thailand (1), India (2), Sri Lanka (3), Bhutan (4), Nepal (5), Burma/Myanmar (6) and Bangladesh (7). Therefore, it can be said that the best choice for the Entrepreneurial Potentials is the
highest for Thailand, followed by India, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar and Bangladesh, and for Bangladesh the highest product potentials lie in Apparel, Beverage and Textile Products.

Keywords: BIMSTEC, Entrepreneurial Potentials, Trade and Bangladesh
JEL codes: F10, F15 and L26.

Purpose: This study investigates the financial impact and wellbeing of Bangladesh’s hand-knitted Jamdani sarees and the lifestyles of their weavers in evolving market conditions. Design/methodology/approach: Conducted from March to July 2024, with a follow-up during Eid ul-Fitr 2025, the research emphasizes innovative design and market adaptation. Findings: Jamdani sarees are vital for weavers’ livelihoods and serve as
significant cultural symbols. The introduction of eco-friendly designs can enhance market appeal and attract conscious consumers, positively influencing weaver well-being and social welfare. Practical implications: Key
recommendations include improving living standards for weavers, promoting asset accumulation and allocation, ensuring the disbursement of wealth free from financial repression, balancing tradition with smallscale
mechanization, and providing necessary training and financial resources. Originality/value: A strategic policy framework is essential for uplifting weavers, encouraging export participation in global trade, and promoting sustainable practices. With the right support, the Jamdani sector can significantly boost Bangladesh’s economy, benefiting both artisans and the broader community.

Keywords: Hand-woven, Jamdani Saree, Well-being, Social welfare, Cultural Heritage, Innovation, Clothing, Green product, Lifestyle, Training, Export.
JEL classifications: F10, 03, L67