More than a decade after its initial proposal construction officially begins today on the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara. The 800-acre government-to-government project aims to generate 100,000 jobs and attract $500 million in foreign investment.
First introduced in 2014 the initiative faced years of setbacks due to disputes over developers and financing. The project finally regained momentum following recent political transitions and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China in June. The zone is being developed by a joint venture between the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), which holds a 30% stake and the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), which holds 70% in exchange for a $100 million investment.
To support the zone a Tk4,189 crore infrastructure package was recently approved to build a multipurpose jetty four-lane roads and a central effluent treatment plant. BEZA expects the CEIZ to be fully completed by December 31, 2031 with 60% of the industrial plots ready for factory construction within the next three years.
Business leaders anticipate the zone will draw heavy Chinese investment into garment manufacturing electronics pharmaceuticals and renewable energy. Experts note that the CEIZ combined with the Karnaphuli tunnel and Matarbari Deep Seaport has the potential to transform Chattogram into a modern logistics and industrial hub. However they warn that the project's ultimate success will depend on the timely completion of its core infrastructure.
