The National Economic Council Executive Committee (ECNEC) has approved a major supporting infrastructure project for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram, aimed at accelerating industrialisation, foreign investment and job creation, according to a press release from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), under the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, where the project was approved, said in a press release.
The initiative is designed to develop essential infrastructure for the CEIZ, which is being established on the eastern bank of the Karnaphuli River over 783 acres under a government-to-government arrangement, with full land acquisition already completed and development work set to begin following the signing of a developer agreement.
The project includes construction of a 1,235-metre jetty link road, a 1,181-metre main road, a 20,304 cubic metre water reservoir, a 4.24 MMCFD gas transmission line with a District Regulating Station, a 25 MLD Central Effluent Treatment Plant, a 20,000 deadweight tonne multipurpose jetty, a 60-ton daily solid waste collection station, approximately 12 kilometres of boundary wall and two 33/11 KV substations.
With an estimated total cost of Tk 4,189 crore, the project will be implemented from January 2027 to December 2031. Of this, Tk 2,467 crore will come from foreign loan assistance under China Exim Bank’s Preferential Buyer’s Credit facility, while Tk 1,722 crore will be financed by the Government of Bangladesh.
Officials said the CEIZ is expected to attract large-scale domestic and foreign investment, accelerate industrial development and create a modern industrial and logistics hub in Chattogram. The zone is projected to generate over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract at least USD 500 million in foreign direct investment.
Located near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport, the site is considered strategically important for trade and logistics development.
The project traces back to a 2016 memorandum of understanding signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh and is expected to strengthen Bangladesh–China economic cooperation while contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Officials also noted that the project aligns with the 2026 election manifesto, particularly priorities on job creation, investment and infrastructure development, as well as regional balanced development plans to establish Chattogram as a commercial capital and major employment hub.
