Twelve additional firms are set to begin commercial operations at the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Economic Zone (EZ) in Chattogram’s National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in 2025.
This marks a significant milestone in the expansion of the zone, which currently hosts 41 companies that have committed to investing a total of $913.17 million and generating 131,577 job opportunities.
The companies, spread across diverse industries, will produce products such as shoe accessories, packaging materials, camping equipment, garments, hospital products, and more. Out of the 41 companies, four have already commenced commercial activities.
BEPZA Executive Chairman, Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, recently shared in an interview that the development of the BEPZA EZ is expected to be completed by the end of this year. He noted that the zone has attracted strong interest from foreign investors, especially from China, with several land lease agreements already signed, and many more in the pipeline. Construction is currently underway for 18 firms, with 10-12 of them expected to start operations within the year.
The growing Chinese investment, driven partly by US tariff policies and a competitive labor market in Bangladesh, is seen as a key factor in the zone’s success. The BEPZA is focusing on product diversification, particularly high-end and technology-based products, as part of its strategy for growth.
Ziaur Rahman also mentioned that BEPZA thoroughly evaluates factors such as proposed investments, job creation potential, environmental impact, and resource usage before approving applications. Of the 41 companies, 24 are Chinese, and between August 2024 and March 2025, BEPZA received proposals from 34 Chinese investors. Eight Chinese firms signed lease agreements, bringing in a proposed $153.82 million in investment, with plans to manufacture solar accessories, bags, light engineering products, and more.
Looking ahead, Ziaur Rahman expects that Chinese investment will continue to diversify, with an increasing focus on renewable energy and raw materials for solar panels. He also anticipates that the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025, scheduled for April, will further boost foreign investment from countries like China and others.
Reflecting on the improved law and order situation in Bangladesh following last year’s mass uprising, Ziaur Rahman expressed confidence that the country’s positive image will attract more European and global investors.
BEPZA has been instrumental in attracting investment from 38 countries across its nine industrial zones, contributing significantly to the country’s annual exports. The BEPZA EZ, which covers 1,138.55 acres with 539 industrial plots, is poised to play a major role in the future of Bangladesh's industrial growth.
SR
