The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has urged investors to expand into four newly designated industrial zones after reporting $8.41 billion in exports and signing investment agreements with 36 enterprises in the 2025–26 financial year.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain made the appeal at a “Meet the Investors” event held at a hotel in Chattogram on Saturday, 17 October, bringing together more than 100 local and foreign investors to strengthen cooperation, address operational challenges and explore investment opportunities, the authority said in a press release.
Exports from BEPZA-administered zones rose 2.22 per cent from the previous financial year despite rising business costs and disruptions to global trade, Hossain said.
Investors from Chattogram Export Processing Zone (EPZ), Karnaphuli EPZ, Comilla EPZ, BEPZA Economic Zone-01 and BEPZA Economic Zone-02 attended the programme, held under the theme “Dialogue, Partnership, and Shared Growth”.
The executive chairman said the declaration of BEPZA Economic Zone-1, BEPZA Economic Zone-2, Jashore EPZ and Patuakhali EPZ as full-fledged zones marked a significant milestone.
He called on investors to expand their operations into the new zones in collaboration with their supply-chain partners.
Hossain warned that geopolitical tensions were disrupting energy markets and global supply chains, driving up operating costs at a time when businesses were already facing electricity and infrastructure constraints.
He praised investors for sustaining economic activity despite the difficulties.
“Your stubborn optimism, unflinching courage, brilliance and decency have kept this economy alive. We are proud of you,” he said.
Describing communication as the highest form of respect, Hossain said direct engagement would help BEPZA understand investors’ concerns and expectations while identifying ways to make Bangladesh’s investment environment more competitive.
“BEPZA has always regarded investors as valued partners. Your valuable feedback strengthens our strategies,” he said, assuring businesses of continued support in overcoming challenges.
The executive chairman also praised the skills of workers in the EPZs, highlighting their role in manufacturing products ranging from high-end apparel and NATO military logistics equipment to fashion wear showcased internationally and bridal gowns for Nordic countries.
He said EPZ workers were producing world-class footwear, garments, jewellery, spectacles, bags, safety equipment, bridal wear and uniforms for peacekeeping operations.
