12 more cos to go into commercial operation in Ctg’s BEPZA EZ by 2025

Business Report :

Twelve more companies in the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Economic Zone (EZ), located in the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Chattogram, are expected to commence commercial operations by 2025.

To date, 41 companies have signed agreements to establish industries within the BEPZA EZ in Mirersarai, Chattogram, with a total proposed investment of $913.17 million. These ventures aim to create approximately 131,577 job opportunities.

The companies will manufacture a wide variety of products such as shoe accessories, packaging materials, finished lubricants, camping gear, outdoor equipment, tents, garment accessories, hair fashion items, cotton goods, hospital supplies, bags, mattresses, socks, and other items-including garments.

Of the 41 companies, four have already begun their commercial operations.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman shared with the media that all development work in the BEPZA EZ is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

“The economic zone has received a strong response from foreign investors, particularly from China.

Many have already signed land lease agreements, and several others are in the pipeline. Construction is currently underway for 18 companies, and between 10 to 12 are anticipated to begin commercial operations within this year,” he said.

He noted that Chinese investments in the zone are increasing, influenced by U.S. tariff policies and Bangladesh’s competitive labor market.
The EZ is placing strong emphasis on product diversification, as well as the production of high-end and technology-based goods, he added.

Ziaur Rahman mentioned that before approving any investment proposal, BEPZA evaluates various factors-including the proposed investment amount, employment generation potential, export capacity, nature of the products, environmental impact, and resource requirements such as electricity, water, and gas.

According to BEPZA, 24 of the 41 companies currently involved are Chinese.

Between August 2024 and March 2025, BEPZA received investment proposals from 34 potential Chinese firms.

During the period from July 2024 to March 2025, eight Chinese companies signed lease agreements, pledging a combined investment of $153.82 million.

These firms plan to produce solar accessories, bags, luggage, light engineering products, ready-made garments, silicon dioxide, flexible intermediate bulk containers, and packaging materials.

Ziaur Rahman expressed optimism that Chinese investments will expand beyond ready-made garments into areas like renewable energy and raw material production for solar panels.

He also said that the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, scheduled for April 7-10, is expected to attract even more international investors, particularly from China.

Commenting on the current law and order situation following the mass uprising and political shift in August last year, the BEPZA chief expressed satisfaction. He credited government efforts for improving stability and restoring investor confidence.

“Numerous Chinese and Korean investors are already operating in our EPZs. We’re now seeking investments from European and other global markets. Given the improved image of Bangladesh, I believe investment from Europe and beyond will increase,” he added.

BEPZA is the government authority responsible for establishing, developing, operating, and managing export processing zones, as well as promoting investment in Bangladesh.

Over the past 40 years, BEPZA has consistently attracted investment from 38 countries across its nine zones, contributing 18-20% to the nation’s annual exports.

These nine zones include: Chattogram EPZ, Dhaka EPZ, Mongla EPZ, Uttara EPZ, Ishwardi EPZ, Cumilla EPZ, Adamjee EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, and the BEPZA Economic Zone.

According to the master plan, the BEPZA EZ spans 1,138.55 acres within the NSEZ, offering 539 industrial plots for investors.