Bangladesh’s Economic Zones Authority (Beza) has announced plans to develop a groundbreaking “Green Factory Hub” at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai, Chittagong. Covering 500 acres, the project aims to attract international investors and foster eco-friendly industrial growth through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
The initiative seeks to replicate successful models like South Korea’s Export Processing Zone and Bangladesh’s own Bepza Economic Zone. Under this framework, an international Master Developer will oversee the land development, construction of facilities, and allocation of plots to businesses. The developer will be responsible for creating a fully infrastructured zone equipped with utilities and environmentally sustainable factories.
Abdullah Al Mahmud Faruk, project director of the NSEZ Development Project, emphasized that the focus is now on developing large-scale zones rather than small plots, with the expectation that around 1,500 acres will be industrially ready within two years. The Infrastructure Investment Facilitation Company (IIFC) will soon conduct a feasibility study, paving the way for international tenders to select the master developer. Beza plans to host roadshows and promotional events to attract global investors.
Faruk highlighted that existing plot holders in the industrial zone are expected to begin factory construction within a year, although some may surrender their allocations. The government anticipates a significant boost in industrial activity as the zone progresses.
The Mirsarai NSEZ spans nearly 33,000 acres across Chittagong’s Mirsarai and Sitakunda upazilas, as well as Feni’s Sonagazi upazila. Currently, approximately 17,500 acres have been taken over by Beza, with major allocations including 1,138 acres to the Bepza Economic Zone, 500 acres each to Bashundhara Group, PHP Group, and SBG Economic Zone, along with additional land for BSRM and the Indian Economic Zone.
Progress within the zone has been notable. Several factories are operational at Bepza, including facilities for chemicals, steel, and ready-mix concrete from Bashundhara Group. PHP Group has secured its land, while BSRM has begun land-filling activities. Prominent investors such as Berger Paints, Asian Paints, Nippon Steel, Jihong Medical, Adani Group, Wilmar International, and others have already committed to the zone.
However, not all developments have been smooth. Beza recently canceled a 500-acre lease to a consortium comprising Sikder Group, Bashundhara Group, and Gasmin Group within the SBG Economic Zone, citing delays in development. The Indian Economic Zone project has also faced uncertainties, with limited interest from Adani Ports and Dredging Private Limited, amid political tensions following Bangladesh’s recent political shifts and strained India-Bangladesh relations.
As Bangladesh moves forward with its industrial expansion plans, the Green Factory Hub at Mirsarai represents a key step in creating a sustainable and investor-friendly manufacturing corridor in the region.
