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The interim government plans to attract increased Chinese investment by dedicating three special economic zones (SEZs) to China, aiming to boost foreign direct investment (FDI) in the country.
According to a senior official from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), one economic zone in Anwara, Chattogram, has already been designated for China, while two more—Chandpur Economic Zone (CEZ) and Bhola Eco-Development Economic Zone—are in the pipeline.
In a recent development, the Chief Advisor’s Office has submitted a development project proposal (DPP) titled “Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone” in Anwara to the Planning Commission for approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
The proposed project, estimated at Tk 4,056.14 crore, will be jointly financed by the Bangladesh government (Tk 1,920 crore) and China (Tk 2,136.15 crore) under a Preferential Buyer’s Credit (PBC) arrangement. The project will be implemented from July 2025 to June 2029, with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) as the contractor.
The Anwara zone, spread over 800 acres, will include vital infrastructure such as roads, a water reservoir, gas pipelines, and a central effluent treatment plant. It is expected to attract $1.5 billion in Chinese investment.
Additionally, Power Construction Corporation of China Ltd (PowerChina) will develop the Chandpur Economic Zone under a G2G agreement, while Leez Fashion Industries Ltd, a Chinese company, will develop the Bhola Eco-Development Zone in Bhola Sadar and Daulatkhan upazilas.
These zones aim to attract industries relocating due to global trade shifts, particularly the US tariffs on Chinese goods. BEZA officials say the initiatives are designed to create jobs, boost exports, and stimulate regional development, with the Bhola zone alone expected to generate around 40,000 jobs in sectors like garments, textiles, electronics, and ceramics.
