Bangladesh is preparing for a major shift in its digital economy as global payments leader PayPal moves closer to launching operations in the country. Once active, PayPal is expected to remove long-standing barriers for small entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups by enabling seamless international payments, faster settlements, and easier access to global buyers.
For years, Bangladeshi SMEs have struggled with cross-border transactions due to slow banking processes, regulatory hurdles, and cash-flow bottlenecks. PayPal’s arrival is projected to significantly improve this landscape. At Agro Award 2025, experts highlighted how PayPal could unlock global selling opportunities and allow local entrepreneurs to receive secure payments instantly.
Experiences from similar markets illustrate the potential impact. India saw rapid growth in handicraft and textile exports after PayPal adoption; the Philippines recorded higher incomes for freelancers and micro-businesses; and Vietnamese SMEs reported faster cash flow and stronger buyer confidence. These success stories offer a realistic blueprint for Bangladesh’s digital commerce future.
Several illustrative scenarios demonstrate what PayPal could enable locally:
– Dhaka’s handmade jewellery sellers could triple exports through direct payments.
– Rajshahi’s mango pulp startups could move from monthly to weekly shipments with real-time verification.
– Sylhet’s IT freelancers could expand income by up to 150%.
– Women-led micro businesses nationwide could scale internationally and accelerate financial independence.
The broader economic impact could be substantial: higher transparency, stronger export performance, easier access to financing, and increased participation in the global gig economy. With cash handling costs exceeding Tk 20,000 crore annually, digital payments also promise major efficiency gains.
PayPal’s entry coincides with Bangladesh’s readiness for a new digital export era. Having demonstrated decades of growth — including tripling food grain production since 1971 — the country is well positioned to integrate technology and trade. For small enterprises, secure global payments will remove structural barriers, improve trust, and unlock new revenue streams.
As Klaus Schwab of the World Economic Forum has noted, empowering small entrepreneurs with digital tools is foundational to inclusive economic growth. For Bangladesh, PayPal is more than a payment gateway — it represents a pathway to a more connected, competitive, and opportunity-rich future.
