CEIZ a key outcome of PM’s China visit
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen on Monday said the groundbreaking of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram marks a significant step towards implementing the outcomes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the economic zone in Chattogram, the ambassador said the project would deepen economic cooperation between the two countries while strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial base and
export competitiveness, according to a press release issued by the Chinese Embassy.
“The groundbreaking of the CEIZ marks a key step to deliver the outcomes of Honourable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China,” Yao said.
He noted that the economic zone would help Bangladesh strengthen its industrial and supply chains, expand export capacity and create employment opportunities for local people.
The ambassador reaffirmed China’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh to accelerate construction of the project, attract more high-quality enterprises and develop the CEIZ into a flagship project under the high-quality Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
“China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to speed up the construction of the zone, attract more high-quality enterprises and build the CEIZ into a landmark project under high-quality Belt and Road cooperation,” he said.
During his visit to Chattogram, Ambassador Yao also met representatives of Chinese companies planning to establish operations in the economic zone.
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by more than 300 participants, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
Representatives of Chinese enterprises, local dignitaries, residents and members of the media also attended the event.
Bangladeshi officials described the CEIZ as a flagship industrial project designed to attract foreign direct investment, accelerate industrialisation and strengthen Bangladesh’s position as a regional manufacturing hub.
They expressed optimism that the economic zone would further expand practical cooperation between Bangladesh and China, help address key development challenges and generate long-term economic benefits for local communities.
