The Government of Bangladesh has approved a Tk 4,189 crore infrastructure development project to support the establishment of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s position as a regional manufacturing and investment hub.

Approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), the project will be implemented by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and is expected to play a catalytic role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI), accelerating industrialisation, and generating employment. According to project estimates, the zone is projected to attract at least $500 million in investment and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs once fully operational.

Located on approximately 800 acres of land in Anwara, on the southern side of the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the economic zone enjoys strategic connectivity to Chattogram Port, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Shah Amanat International Airport. This combination of multimodal transport access positions CEIZ as a highly competitive destination for export-oriented industries and global manufacturers seeking efficient access to regional and international markets.

The infrastructure project includes the development of critical industrial facilities such as a multipurpose jetty, internal road networks, bridge connectivity, water and gas supply systems, power substations and transmission lines, a central effluent treatment plant (CETP), waste management facilities, and security infrastructure. These investments are designed to ensure that the zone is fully investment-ready and capable of supporting large-scale industrial operations.

The CEIZ is being developed under a Bangladesh–China government-to-government cooperation framework and is expected to attract investment across a range of sectors, including textiles and apparel, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, and other export-oriented manufacturing industries. The project is also expected to facilitate technology transfer, strengthen supply chain integration, and support Bangladesh’s broader economic diversification agenda.

The approved infrastructure package will be financed through a combination of government funding and Chinese preferential buyer’s credit facilities. Project implementation is scheduled to begin in 2027 and continue through 2031.

As Bangladesh continues to expand its network of specialised economic zones, the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone represents a major opportunity for international investors seeking access to one of South Asia’s fastest-growing manufacturing economies. By combining strategic infrastructure, competitive operating costs, and enhanced connectivity, the project is expected to further strengthen Bangladesh’s attractiveness as a destination for industrial investment and export-led growth.

Source: The Daily Star