The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a proposal to establish Bangladesh’s first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Anwara, Chattogram, to facilitate export-oriented industrial and trade activities by easing standard customs and trade barriers.
The approval was granted on Wednesday during a meeting presided over by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury.
The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has been working to develop a modern FTZ in accordance with international standards.
To this end, a high-level committee – comprising 10 relevant agencies including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries, Finance Division, National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Ministry of Shipping – formulated detailed recommendations after reviewing the FTZ management, laws, incentive structures, and operational models of various countries.
Based on those recommendations, the Anwara area on the banks of Karnaphuli River was selected as the most suitable site for the country’s inaugural FTZ, following considerations of infrastructure facilities, international trade connectivity, logistics capacity, and potential for future expansion.
The government stated that the implementation of this initiative will build new capabilities in international trade and supply chain management. It is also expected to play a crucial role in attracting foreign investment, diversifying exports, developing logistics hubs, and creating employment opportunities.
Notably, the proposal to establish the FTZ was previously approved during the ninth meeting of BEZA’s Governing Board on 26 January.
Activities to reform laws and policies for project implementation have already commenced. Under this initiative, various regulations are being reviewed and updated, including Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority Act 2010, Customs Act 2023, Warehouse Licensing Rules 2024, Import Policy Order 2021–2024, Export Policy Order 2024–2027, Foreign Exchange Management Guidelines, National Industrial Policy 2022, and National Logistics Policy 2024.
According to the government, the establishment of the first FTZ will serve as a significant milestone in the country’s economic transformation and the enhancement of global trade connectivity. It is intended to pave the way for Bangladesh to be established as a regional logistics and trade hub.
