Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) have signed a ‘Development agreement’ to establish ‘BEPZA Economic Zone’ at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN). The signing ceremony was held at a hotel in the capital on Sunday. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus was present as the chief guest of the event. Helaluddin Ahmed, Senior Secretary, Local Government Department and Major General Md. Nazrul Islam, Executive Chairman, BEPZA were present as special guests. BEZA Executive Chairman Paban Chowdhury presided over the ceremony.
BEZA has a vision to establish 100 economic zones in 15 years, through employment creation of 10 million people directly and indirectly with an additional $60 billion worth export revenue by 2030. This humongous task is being implemented under the direction of the Hon’ble Prime Minister with a view to accelerating economic development of Bangladesh. BSMSN is being established on about 30,000 acres of land in Sitakunda and Mirsarai Upazilas of Chittagong and Sonagazi Upazila of Feni. Investment of USD 23 billion has already been confirmed here. Among renowned foreign investors there are Nippon from Japan, Asian Paints from India, Berger Paints from the United Kingdom, Wilmer from Singapore and many more. Apart from PHP, Bashundhara Group, TK Group, there are many other well-known local investors have also laid confidence at Bangabandhu Shilpanagar. As result of good coordination of BEZA with various government agencies Sheikh Hasina Sarani and the country’s first super dyke has been built, gas connection and power supply have been ensured in BSMSN. At present 13 industries are under construction in this industrial city. Another 15 companies have started preliminary work as part of the industrial construction.
Following the decision of 4th BEZA Governing Board meeting to allot land to BEPZA in Mirsarai Economic Zone, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BEPZA and BEZA on 18 May 2017. The 1,150 acre BEPZA Economic Zone is located at Mirsarai in BSMSN. Infrastructure such as dams, roads, water lines and power lines are almost completed. Construction of Zone Services Complex, Officers and Staff Dormitory, Investors Residence, Ansar and Security Barracks, Security and Customs Building, Main Gate and Customs Gate is also underway. A revised project proposal has been prepared for the development of ancillary physical infrastructure including construction of 539 industrial plots in the entire area is in the process of approval. Once established, BEPZA economic zone is expected to attract investment of USD 4.5 billion, set up 350-400 factories, and create employment opportunity for 5,00,000 people.
In his speech Mr. Paban Chowdhury said, BEZA has set another milestone by signing the agreement with BEPZA to establish an economic zone. He added, BEZA will go one step further in implementing the Vision 2041 of the Prime Minister and building an industrialized, prosperous and happy ‘Golden Bengal’. He said that Bangladesh has been able to attract foreign investment even during the corona period. He informed, last year alone, BEZA received USD 6 billion investment proposal. He said that a number of factories at BSMSN would soon go into production in full swing. “We have to move forward together,” he added.
Speaking as Chief Guest Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus expressed satisfaction on coordination between BEZA and BEPZA. He said that in spite of the ongoing corona pandemic the economy of Bangladesh is growing surprisingly fast due to conducive environment for investment and swift and quality services. “The unprecedented economic growth of Bangladesh is really a paradox to the world”, he added.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Nazrul Islam said “BEPZA has already shown efficiency in attracting investment and increasing exports through diversification of products as well as creating new jobs.” He thanked BEZA for the co-operation and expressed his hope that this type of collaboration between the two organization would continue in future.
Senior Secretary of Local Government Division Helal Uddin Ahmed said his department is directly supporting BEZA in the development of BSMSN through different projects. The senior secretary added that a bridge connecting Mirsharai and Feni in parts of BSMSN will be built. “The project proposal has already been prepared. The construction work of this bridge will start very soon,” he said.
Executive Chairman of BEZA Paban Chowdhury and BEPZA Executive Chairman Maj.Gen. Md Nazrul Islam signed the development agreement for their respective organization. Among others, High officials of Prime Minister’s Office, BEPZA and BEZA including some local and foreign investors were present at the program.
