Chattogram: Twelve additional firms in the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Economic Zone, located at the National Special Economic Zone in Chattogram, are set to commence commercial operations by 2025. So far, 41 companies have signed agreements to establish industries in the BEPZA EZ in Chattogram’s Mirersarai, with a proposed investment totaling $913.17 million, aiming to create 131,577 job opportunities.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the companies will manufacture a wide array of products, including shoe accessories, packaging materials, finished lubricants, camping equipment, outdoor products, tents, garment accessories, hair fashion accessories, cotton products, hospital products, bags, mattresses, socks, and more, alongside garments. Out of these 41 companies, four have already started their commercial operations.
In a recent interview, BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman stated that the development work of the BEPZA EZ would be comp
leted within this year. “The EZ has garnered a positive response from foreign investors, particularly Chinese investors. Many have signed land lease agreements, with more in the pipeline. Construction is underway for 18 firms in the EZ, with 10-12 expected to begin commercial operations within this year,” he stated. He noted that rising Chinese investment is influenced by US tariff policies and a competitive labor market.
The focus at the economic zone is on product diversification and high-end, tech-based products. Ziaur Rahman emphasized that BEPZA evaluates several factors before approving any application, including proposed investments, employment opportunities, export potential, and production factors such as environmental impact and resource requirements.
According to BEPZA, out of the 41 companies from various countries, 24 are Chinese firms. Between August 2024 and March 2025, BEPZA received proposals from 34 potential Chinese investors. From July 2024 to March 2025, eight Chinese companies signed l
ease agreements, proposing an investment of $153.82 million. These companies plan to produce solar accessories, bags, luggage, light engineering products, ready-made garments, silicon dioxide, flexible intermediate bulk containers, and packaging.
Ziaur Rahman expects Chinese investment to expand beyond ready-made garments into sectors such as renewable energy and raw material production for solar panels. He also mentioned the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025, scheduled for April 7-10, which is expected to attract further investors from China and other countries.
The BEPZA chief expressed satisfaction with the current law and order situation in Bangladesh, attributing improvements to government measures and initiatives following last August’s mass uprising and changeover. This has encouraged more foreign investors to consider Bangladesh for investment. “Many Chinese and Korean investors have already invested in the EPZs. We’re now also looking for investments from European countries and the rest of
the world. With the country’s improved image, I believe European and other nations will also increase their investments here,” he added.
BEPZA, a government body, is responsible for the creation, development, operation, and management of industrial zones like Export Processing Zones, as well as promoting investment in Bangladesh. Over the past four decades, BEPZA has attracted investment from 38 countries to its nine zones, consistently contributing 18-20 percent to the country’s annual exports. The nine zones include Chattogram EPZ, Dhaka EPZ, Mongla EPZ, Uttara EPZ, Ishwardi EPZ, Cumilla EPZ, Adamjee EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, and BEPZA EZ. The BEPZA EZ is established on 1,138.55 acres of land in the NSEZ, featuring 539 industrial plots.