GAS1 Ltd is set to construct an Inland Container Depot (ICD) within the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai with an investment of Taka 300 crore. The project aims to streamline the customs process and expedite cargo clearance for businesses operating in the area.
The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has allocated 25 acres of land for the project, with GAS1 Ltd reporting that approximately 90 per cent of the land has been developed. SNR Tawfiq, Director of InnStar (a partner company of GAS1 Ltd), stated, “To date, we have committed around 40 crore Taka in the building of the ICD, with plans to start operations by July 2025. This facility, which will have state-of-the-art equipment for effective container processing, will serve government departments, including customs.”
Inland Container Depots (ICDs) play a critical role in enhancing export trade, simplifying import procedures and securing Government revenues. Currently, 19 ICDs function across Bangladesh. The NSEZ, the country’s largest economic zone, encompasses roughly 33,000 acres across the Sitakunda, Mirsharai and Sonagazi upazilas of Chattogram and Feni and is being developed under a comprehensive plan by BEZA.
According to sources from BEZA, nearly 12 companies are currently operational within the NSEZ. Once GAS1 Ltd’s ICD is completed, it promises to benefit businesses both inside and outside the economic zone. Plans indicate that, within the next five years, around 17,000 acres of land in NSEZ will be fully available for investors, with the project being executed in three phases over 20 years. Once fully operational, the ICD is expected to create approximately 1.5 million jobs.
Tawfiq elaborated, “We will offer logistical services for handling freight for import and export. We will finish the customs procedures and put the exported products onto ships. Likewise, before being delivered, imported items must pass customs here.” He noted that the ICD is designed to handle 204,000 TEUs per year, accommodating 36,000 TEUs for imports, 84,000 for exports and 84,000 for empty containers. He emphasised that their primary focus will be on serving companies within the economic zone and that the facility will expand as industrial activity increases.
In addressing the need for swift operational processes, Tawfiq stated, “We need approval from the National Board of Revenue (NBR), customs, and port authorities in order to function efficiently. Our investment will be protected by a speedy clearance.”
Dr. Selim Raihan, Executive Director of the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (Sanem), praised the initiative, noting that it would facilitate trade and reduce costs and time. However, he urged adherence to international best practices, especially concerning safety measures in handling hazardous goods.
Aparup Chowdhury, CEO of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Investors Association (BEZIA), expressed optimism about the ICD becoming operational soon, noting that several companies have already commenced production at NSEZ.
