The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) attracts around USD 3 million in investment for every acre of land. It also generates an annual return of Tk 13.82 crore per acre, according to figures presented at an investor meeting in Chattogram.
Bepza shared the figures at its “Meet the Investors” event at Radisson Blu in Chattogram on 17 October. More than 100 local and foreign investors attended the event.
Participants represented the Chattogram EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, Cumilla EPZ, Bepza Economic Zone-1 and Bepza Economic Zone-2.
Despite a difficult business environment, Bepza signed investment agreements with 36 companies in FY26.
Exports from Bepza-managed zones reached USD 8.41 billion during the fiscal year. This marked a 2.22% increase from the previous year.
Bepza Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain said investors had continued to support economic activity despite several challenges.
These included global trade uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, energy market disruptions and supply chain pressures. Domestic power and infrastructure constraints also affected businesses.
Moazzem stressed the importance of stronger communication between Bepza and investors.
He said regular engagement would help the authority understand investor concerns, address operational challenges and improve the overall business environment.
Bepza-managed zones manufacture a wide range of export products.
These include footwear, garments, jewellery, eyewear, bags, safety equipment, wedding dresses and uniforms for peacekeeping missions.
Moazzem also encouraged existing investors to expand into Bepza Economic Zone-1, Bepza Economic Zone-2, Jashore EPZ and Patuakhali EPZ.
He added that Bepza would continue to support investors seeking to expand their operations.
Bepza Member for Investment Promotion Md Tanvir Hossain presented the authority’s FY26 performance at the event.
His presentation covered investment, exports, employment, land utilisation and progress in developing new zones.
Meanwhile, Bepza Additional Executive Director for Enterprise Services and Industrial Relations Md Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan outlined initiatives to improve worker welfare and labour standards.
Bepza currently provides 45 online services and operates a 24-hour helpline at 16128.
The authority has also implemented the Employment Injury Scheme.
In addition, Bepza is considering amendments to the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019. The proposed changes aim to bring the law closer to international labour standards.
The event also featured an open discussion between investors and Bepza officials.
Participants discussed operational challenges, investor services and labour regulations.
Earlier, on 10 October, Bepza launched three specialised country desks in Dhaka.
The desks serve investors from China, South Korea and Japan. They aim to provide more targeted support and improve investor engagement.
Established in 1980, Bepza currently oversees eight export processing zones and two economic zones.
These zones have attracted around USD 7.5 billion in investment from investors across 38 countries.
Cumulative exports from Bepza-managed zones have reached approximately USD 130 billion.
According to figures presented at the event, Bepza accounts for around 20% of Bangladesh’s total exports.
It also represents 19.17% of the country’s total foreign direct investment.
Source: The Business Standard
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