Dhaka: Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed announced on Monday that the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara upazila of Chattogram signifies the start of a new era for industrialization and job creation in Bangladesh. “With the foundation stone of CEIZ laid today on the fertile land of Anwara, we are not merely breaking ground for another project; we are opening a new chapter in Bangladesh’s industrial transformation,” he stated at the foundation stone-laying ceremony on the eastern bank of the Karnaphuli River in Anwara.
According to United News of Bangladesh, this government-to-government (G2G) initiative between Bangladesh and China, under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is expected to have a significant impact on the nation’s economic growth, industrial diversification, and job creation in the long term. The event was attended by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury as the chief guest, with State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin also present. Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury presided over the ceremony.
Highlighting the project’s significance, Salahuddin mentioned that the 776-acre (314.39-hectare) economic zone is anticipated to generate direct employment for over 36,000 individuals in the Chattogram region. In addition to the ready-made garments and textiles industry, the zone will house high-value industries such as biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and leather products, thereby aiding in diversifying Bangladesh’s export offerings.
The strategic location of the economic zone was emphasized by the minister, noting its proximity of only 700 metres from the Karnaphuli Tunnel, six kilometres from Shah Amanat International Airport, and 12 kilometres from Chattogram Port, with direct access to the N-1 national highway. Furthermore, the zone will be equipped with international-standard environmental facilities, including a central effluent treatment plant (CETP), to promote sustainable industrial development.
Assurances were given to investors about comprehensive security measures, with law enforcement agencies ensuring the overall security of the zone, uninterrupted transport corridors, and a safe working environment. Salahuddin also reiterated the government’s pledge to provide quick approvals and utility services through BEZA’s One-Stop Service (OSS), fostering a more efficient and investor-friendly business environment. He expressed gratitude to BEZA, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, and the people of Anwara and Chattogram for their support in the project’s implementation.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury highlighted the government’s dedication to facilitating both domestic and foreign investment, with nearly US$1 billion in investment anticipated for infrastructure and industrial development in the CEIZ, supported by government policy. Khosru also mentioned the government’s plans to introduce a fully operational single-window service to expedite services for investors and initiatives to attract strategic foreign investment in the capital market.
Emphasizing the importance of workers’ accommodation, improved living standards, and environmental conservation alongside industrialization, Khosru urged the Chinese partners to establish a modern skills development centre in Anwara to bolster local industries, supply chains, and skilled human resources. Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Chattogram-13 lawmaker Sarwar Jamal Nizam, CRBC Vice Chairman Li Changgui, and Bangladesh CEIZ Company Ltd (BCCL) Chairman Wang Benqian also spoke at the event.