Over 200 companies have already been given land in 29 economic zones run by the Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA), according to Finance Minister A H Mahmood Ali. The planned investments for these enterprises total about US $ 22.50 billion.
When presenting the approximately Taka 7.97 lakh crore national budget for FY ’25 at Jatiya Sangsad, the Finance Minister made this statement.
In his speech, Ali stated that the Government is aiming to create 100 economic zones through BEZA to draw in both local and foreign investment and carry out planned, environmentally responsible industrialization. He stated that 29 economic zones are now being implemented among them.
The minister of finance added that US $ 5.5 billion had been invested in private economic zones.
“Currently 43 enterprises have started production in all these economic zones and another 70 industrial enterprises are under construction,” he said.
In this connection, he said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Industrial City is being established on about 33 thousand acres of land in Mirsarai, Sitakunda of Chattogram and Sonagazi of Feni, which will be the largest industrial city in South and Southeast Asia.
“To make the industrial city a self-sufficient one, all types of services will be ensured and activities will be initiated to build environment-friendly facilities,” he added.
According to him, efforts are underway to establish the first Indian Economic Zone on 857 acres of land in Mirsarai, Chattogram; the second Indian Economic Zone on 110 acres of land in Mongla, Bagerhat; and the Japan Economic Zone on 1,000 acres of land in Araihazar, Narayanganj.
In addition, he stated that work is underway to establish a Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone on roughly 800 acres in Anwara, Chattogram.
“There are plans to start development activities of proposed economic zones in Gopalganj, Kushtia, Satkhira, Chandpur and Pabna.
