Construction of the long-awaited Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram is set to officially begin tomorrow, marking a major milestone in Bangladesh-China economic cooperation after more than a decade of delays.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.
Spread over approximately 800 acres, the government-to-government project is expected to attract around $500 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs. The zone is scheduled for completion by December 2031.
The CEIZ will accommodate Chinese, Bangladeshi and other international investors in export-oriented industries including textiles, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, information technology and advanced manufacturing.
Business leaders have welcomed the launch of the project, saying it will strengthen Bangladesh’s manufacturing base, enhance exports and deepen bilateral trade relations with China. Industry representatives also believe the zone will help the country’s textile and apparel sector by encouraging Chinese manufacturers of fabrics, accessories and other raw materials to establish production facilities in Bangladesh, reducing lead times and production costs.
The project gained renewed momentum following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to China in June, during which Bangladesh and China signed several investment agreements. According to Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, more than 30 Chinese companies have already expressed interest in investing approximately $500 million in the economic zone, underscoring growing confidence in Bangladesh as an emerging investment destination.
