After more than a decade of delays construction on the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara Chattogram will officially begin tomorrow. Spanning 800 acres this landmark government-to-government initiative aims to attract $500 million in foreign direct investment and create over 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by senior officials including Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhur Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed and Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen.
The long-stalled project regained momentum following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's state visit to China this past June. Already over 30 Chinese companies have pledged $500 million for the zone which will host export-oriented industries like advanced textiles pharmaceuticals, and IT.
To support the zone's operations the government recently approved a Tk4,189 crore infrastructure package with China providing Tk2,467 crore in concessional loans. This will fund crucial transport and utility links maximizing the zone's strategic proximity to the Karnaphuli Tunnel Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport.
Local business leaders and the BGMEA have welcomed the progress noting that domestic sourcing of raw materials from this zone will slash production costs and lead times for Bangladesh's crucial apparel sector. The project is scheduled for full completion by December 31, 2031 with authorities expecting 60% of industrial plots to be ready for factory construction within the next three years.
