BEZA to create “Green Factory Hub” at Mirsarai to attract global investors

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) is set to allocate 500 acres at the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai to an International Master Developer for establishing a modern “Green Factory Hub.” The move is part of a fresh strategy to boost foreign investment through large-scale, fully developed industrial zones.

Key Features of the Plan:

• Modeled after the Korean Export Processing Zone and BEPZA Economic Zone.
• The Master Developer will manage land development, build facilities, and allocate plots under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.
• Advanced infrastructure and environmentally friendly factories are at the core of the project.

“We have moved beyond allocating small plots. Our focus now is on developing larger zones with full infrastructure,” — Abdullah Al Mahmud Faruk, Project Director, NSEZ Development Project

Next Steps:

• The Infrastructure Investment Facilitation Company (IIFC) will soon conduct a feasibility study.
• Following this, international tenders will be invited.
• The selection and allocation process is expected to take around two years, supported by roadshows and promotions to attract investors.

Progress across NSEZ:

• NSEZ spans nearly 33,000 acres across Chattogram and Feni districts.
• 17,500 acres are already under BEZA’s possession.
• Major land allocations:
  • 1,138 acres to Bepza Economic Zone
  • 500 acres each to Bashundhara Group, PHP Group, and the former SBG Economic Zone
  • 198 acres to BSRM
  • 900 acres to the Indian Economic Zone

Current Developments:

• Factories are already operational in BEPZA economic Zone.
• Bashundhara Group is nearing completion of its chemical, steel, and concrete factories.
• PHP Group and BSRM have initiated construction activities.

Prominent Investors at NSEZ:

• Berger Paints, Asian Paints, Nippon & McDonald Steel Industries, Jihong Medical, Adani Group, Healthcare Pharma, Wilmar International, Marico, ACI, SQ Group, and IFAD Autos.

Challenges and Setbacks:

• BEZA cancelled the lease for 500 acres granted to the SBG Economic Zone (Sikder Group, Bashundhara Group, and Gasmin Group) due to failure to start development.
• Indian Economic Zone project is facing uncertainty amid political tensions and lack of investor enthusiasm, particularly from Adani Ports and International Seaports Dredging Private Limited.