The Bangladeshi Government is set to accelerate infrastructure development for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) as part of its strategy to attract investment from China, the world’s second-largest economy. On 6th April, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) submitted a restructured Taka 4,065 crore project proposal to the Planning Commission for approval, which aims to establish the CEIZ over approximately 800 acres of land in Anwara, Chittagong.
The funding for the project will be divided, with Taka 2,436.84 crore sourced from Government funds and Taka 2,148.86 crore expected from Chinese loans. Beza officials anticipate that project implementation could commence by June, pending approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council, with a targeted completion date set for 2029.
The initiative to create the CEIZ dates back to 2014 but faced delays due to various challenges. Progress has recently picked up following Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ visit to China at the end of last month, which helped reignite discussions around the project. Prior to this visit, on 25th March, steps were taken to forward the restructured CEIZ project to the Planning Commission through the Chief Adviser’s Office.
In June 2014, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between China’s Commerce Ministry and Beza to establish the CEIZ. A subsequent MoU in August 2022 facilitated joint development under a Government-to-Government (G2G) model. Chinese companies will be responsible for investment and development, while Beza will oversee municipal and supporting infrastructure, including drainage, water supply, electricity, natural gas, a jetty, and roads.
The strategically located 800-acre site in Chittagong, acquired by Beza in 2016, is in proximity to the Karnaphuli River Tunnel, seaport, and airport. The project’s cost was revised to Taka 4,065 crore after the exclusion of the administration building and water treatment plant from the initial estimates.
Key infrastructure developments planned for the CEIZ include the construction of a 1,235-meter jetty link road, a 25 MLD Central Effluent Treatment Plant, a 212-meter multipurpose jetty, and a 12 km boundary wall, among other essential facilities.
