PayPal set to unlock global markets for Bangladesh’s small entrepreneurs

Bangladesh is poised to take a significant leap in digital commerce as global payments leader PayPal prepares to enter the country. Once operational, the platform is expected to provide small entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups with seamless access to international markets for sales, payments, and remittances.

Bridging the Gap for Small Businesses

Bangladeshi small enterprises have long faced hurdles in exporting and online commerce. Complex banking procedures, delayed payments, and regulatory challenges have restricted growth and global reach.

The arrival of PayPal is expected to remove these obstacles. Experts at the Agro Award 2025 noted:

“With PayPal, Bangladeshi entrepreneurs could soon sell internationally with ease, receiving payments quickly and securely.”

Learning from Similar Markets

India: SMEs and freelancers accessing PayPal expanded global reach, with handicraft and textile exports growing rapidly.

Philippines: Freelancers and micro-entrepreneurs received timely payments, increasing income and independence.

Vietnam: SMEs using PayPal reported smoother logistics, faster cash flow, and greater trust from international buyers.

These international experiences provide a roadmap for Bangladesh’s emerging digital economy.

Illustrative Case Studies: Bangladesh’s Future Scenarios

1. Handmade Jewellery, Dhaka

Entrepreneurs could receive instant payments from US, UK, and Australian buyers, potentially tripling monthly exports.

2. Mango Pulp Startup,Rajshahi

Real-time payment verification could allow weekly shipments instead of monthly, increasing exports and improving buyer trust.

3. Freelance IT Professionals, Sylhet

Secure invoicing and instant payments could expand international client bases, grow income by 100–150%, and allow micro-enterprise scaling.

4. Rural Handicrafts, Rangpur

Direct international sales could provide sustainable income, increase production, and preserve cultural heritage.

5. Student Freelancers, Nationwide

Access to global payment systems could create new income streams (USD 1,000–5,000/month) and integrate youth into the gig economy.

6. Small Apparel Exporters, Dhaka and Narayanganj

Verified payments could reduce risk, improve cash flow, and expand export portfolios.

7. Organic Food Producers, Barisal and Khulna

Farmers and small processors could export rice, spices, or dairy efficiently, reaching multiple international buyers.

8. Technology Startups, Dhaka

Software and app developers could invoice international clients directly, improving cash flow and competitiveness.

9. Women-Led Enterprises, Nationwide

Women entrepreneurs running micro enterprises could scale globally, gain financial independence, and drive inclusive economic growth.

Note: All scenarios are illustrative projections, based on PayPal’s verified impact in India, the Philippines, and Vietnam, and are not yet actual data from Bangladesh.

Potential Economic Benefits

The launch of PayPal could:

• Improve financial transparency by reducing cash-based transactions 

• Accelerate export growth for SMEs 

• Open global markets for freelancers, students, and micro-enterprises 

• Enhance creditworthiness and access to formal financing 

• Expand the gig economy and youth employment 

• Preserve and modernise local handicrafts and organic products

With cash handling costs in Bangladesh estimated at Tk20,000crore annually, digital payment platforms could drive financial inclusion, efficiency, and global competitiveness.

Looking Ahead: A Digital Export Era

Bangladesh’s proven capacity for growth tripling food grain production since 1971 (FAO) demonstrates readiness to embrace technological innovation. PayPal’s entry represents a pivotal milestone in the country’s digital economy, enabling small businesses to compete globally, reduce procedural barriers, and access international buyers securely.

Bangladesh is preparing to enter a digital export era, where even the smallest enterprises can reach the world efficiently, safely, and profitably.

Global Perspective

As Klaus Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum, once noted:

“In a world driven by technology and connectivity, empowering small entrepreneurs with digital tools is not just good business; it is the foundation for inclusive economic growth.”

This sentiment captures the transformative potential that platforms like PayPal could bring to Bangladesh, creating opportunities that extend far beyond borders.

Bangladesh is on the verge of a transformative digital export era, where small entrepreneurs, freelancers, and startups will increasingly harness global platforms like PayPal to reach international markets with speed, security, and reliability. Over the coming years, this shift is expected to drive measurable economic growth by significantly boosting exports, increasing revenue streams for micro and small enterprises, and enabling rural and urban entrepreneurs alike to participate in global trade.

Reflections:

Beyond expanding market access, the adoption of secure digital payment platforms will enhance financial transparency, reduce dependence on cash-based transactions, and improve access to formal financing for small businesses. This will create a more resilient and accountable business ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs to scale operations, invest in innovation, and create sustainable employment opportunities across sectors.

By integrating technology with commerce, Bangladesh can position itself as a competitive and innovation-driven player in the global economy, transforming local talent and traditional industries into globally recognised enterprises. The coming years hold the promise of a more inclusive, productive, and forward-looking economy, where digital tools not only facilitate trade but also drive systemic development and long-term prosperity for the nation.