A transformative era for Bangladesh’s industrial landscape was inaugurated on Monday as the foundation stone was laid for $1 billion China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram’s Anwara.
Situated on the east bank of Karnaphuli River, the project is a joint government-to-government (G2G) initiative between Bangladesh and China under “Belt and Road Initiative.”
Officials said the zone will play a revolutionary role in ensuring long-term economic prosperity, diversified industrialisation, and massive employment generation.
Investment and infrastructure
Speaking as the chief guest, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury announced that the government’s policy support has secured an investment of approximately $1 billion for infrastructure and industrial establishment within the zone.
He revealed that the government would soon launch a fully functional “Single Window Service” to simplify domestic and foreign investment and is taking steps to attract strategic foreign investment into the capital market.
The finance minister emphasised that labour housing, modern living standards, and environmental conservation remain top government priorities.
He also called upon Chinese partners to establish a modern “Skill Development Centre” in Anwara to strengthen local supply chains and create a skilled workforce.
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, who attended as a special guest, described the foundation laying as a “historic milestone” and a “new chapter in Bangladesh’s industrial transformation”.
The CEIZ, spread across approximately 776 acres (314.39 hectares), is projected to create direct employment for more than 36,000 people in Chattogram region.
While the zone will support the readymade garments and textile sectors, it will also house high-value industries including bio-pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, and leather goods, aiming to diversify the country’s export basket.
Strategic logistics and security
Highlighting the zone’s strategic location, Salahuddin noted it is situated just 700 metres from the Karnaphuli Tunnel, 6 kilometres from Shah Amanat International Airport, and 12 kilometres from Chattogram Port. Direct connectivity to N-1 National Highway will facilitate rapid goods transport.
To ensure sustainable industrialisation, the project will include an international-standard Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and eco-friendly infrastructure. Salahuddin assured investors that law enforcement agencies are prepared to maintain a secure environment and an uninterrupted transport corridor.
He also reiterated the commitment of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to provide a business-friendly environment through its One-Stop Service (OSS), ensuring swift utility connections and bureaucratic efficiency.
The ceremony was chaired by Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and BEZA.
Other speakers included State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-13 Sarwar Jamal Nizam, and Li Changgui, vice chairman of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). Wang Benqian, chairman of Bangladesh CEIZ Company Ltd (BCCL), delivered the welcome address.
The event concluded with the home minister thanking BEZA, CRBC, and Chinese Embassy, expressing hope that the industrial zone will serve as a permanent bridge of friendship and economic cooperation between both nations.
