Chattogram:The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has successfully attracted approximately US$3 million in investment per acre of land, resulting in an annual return of Tk 13.82 crore per acre through the efficient use of industrial land.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this information was shared at a 'Meet the Investors' event organized by BEPZA in Chattogram. The event saw participation from over 100 local and international investors from the Chattogram, Karnaphuli, and Cumilla export processing zones (EPZs), as well as BEPZA Economic Zones.
During the event, BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain emphasized the authority's commitment to enhancing partnerships with investors, addressing their concerns, and fostering a competitive and business-friendly investment environment. He acknowledged the resilience of investors in the face of global trade uncertainties, energy market disruptions, and rising business costs.
Major General Hossain also praised the contribution of EPZ workers in creating a variety of export products for international markets, including garments, footwear, and jewellery. He announced the full-fledged status of BEPZA Economic Zone-1, BEPZA Economic Zone-2, Jashore EPZ, and Patuakhali EPZ, urging investors to collaborate with supply-chain partners to expand their businesses in these new zones.
BEPZA Member (Investment Promotion) Md. Tanvir Hossain highlighted the authority's role in contributing to the national economy through the optimal use of limited land, investment attraction, export growth, employment generation, and the development of a more favorable investment environment.
In the fiscal year 2025-26, BEPZA signed agreements with 36 enterprises, achieving exports worth US$8.41 billion—a 2.22 percent increase from the previous year. The event also showcased initiatives to improve worker welfare, enhance employer-worker relations, reform labour regulations, and expand digital services for investors.
Additional Executive Director Md. Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan detailed initiatives related to labour law reform and the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS). BEPZA has introduced 45 online services and operates a 24-hour helpline to support investor services.
An open discussion during the event addressed investment expansion, operational challenges, and ways to improve the business environment. Participants exchanged views on the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019, with BEPZA reiterating its commitment to upholding international labour standards.
Established in 1980, BEPZA manages eight EPZs and two economic zones, drawing investment from 38 countries. The total investment in these zones is about US$7.50 billion, with cumulative exports reaching around US$130 billion. BEPZA's zones contribute approximately 20 percent of Bangladesh's total exports and account for 19.17 percent of the country's total foreign direct investment (FDI).