Construction begins on Bangladesh-China economic zone in Anwara

Construction of the Bangladesh-China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) officially began in Anwara on Monday, marking a major milestone in Chinese investment in Bangladesh after nearly a decade of delays.

The project, spanning about 783 acres, is expected to attract $500 million in investment and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Initially proposed under a government-to-government initiative, the project gained momentum after a memorandum of understanding was signed during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Dhaka in 2016. It later faced delays over developer selection, financing and infrastructure planning before receiving final approval from the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on June 16.

According to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the project will cost Tk 4,189.46 crore, with Tk 1,722 crore funded by the government and Tk 2,467 crore through China’s Preferential Buyers Credit. Completion is targeted for December 2031.

The economic zone will feature modern industrial infrastructure, including roads, a multipurpose jetty, a central effluent treatment plant, water and gas facilities, power substations and waste management systems.

The government expects the zone to boost export-oriented industries, including textiles, electronics, semiconductors, information technology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, light engineering, chemicals and automobiles.

Business leaders say the zone’s strategic location near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport will strengthen logistics and attract foreign investment.

The groundbreaking ceremony was jointly organised by BEZA and Bangladesh CEIZ Company Limited. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury attended as chief guest, while Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, BEZA Executive Chairman Ashiq Chowdhury and CEIZ Chairman Wang Benchian were also present.