China economic zone to usher in new era of industrialisation, jobs: Salahuddin

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed today (27 July) said the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara upazila of Chattogram marks the beginning of a new era of industrialisation and employment generation in Bangladesh.

"With the foundation stone of CEIZ laid today (Monday) on the fertile land of Anwara, we are not merely breaking ground for another project; we are opening a new chapter in Bangladesh's industrial transformation," he said while addressing the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the CEIZ on the eastern bank of the Karnaphuli River in Anwara as a special guest.

The government-to-government (G2G) project, undertaken jointly by Bangladesh and China under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), will play a transformative role in the country's long-term economic growth, industrial diversification and job creation.

Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury attended the event as the chief guest, while State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin also addressed the programme.

Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury presided over the event.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Salahuddin said the 776-acre (314.39-hectare) economic zone is expected to create direct employment for more than 36,000 people in the Chattogram region.

In addition to ready-made garments and textiles, the zone will accommodate high-value industries, including biopharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing and leather products, helping diversify Bangladesh's export basket, he said.

The minister also underscored the strategic location of the economic zone, noting that it is situated only 700 metres from the Karnaphuli Tunnel, six kilometres from Shah Amanat International Airport and 12 kilometres from Chattogram Port, with direct connectivity to the N-1 national highway.

The zone will feature international-standard environmental facilities, including a central effluent treatment plant (CETP), to support sustainable industrial development, he said.

Assuring investors of comprehensive security, Salahuddin said law enforcement agencies will ensure the overall security of the zone, uninterrupted transport corridors and a safe working environment.

He also reaffirmed the government's commitment to providing quick approvals and utility services through Beza's One-Stop Service (OSS), creating a more efficient and investor-friendly business environment.

The minister thanked Beza, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and the people of Anwara and Chattogram for their support in implementing the project. 

In his speech, the finance minister said the government remains committed to facilitating both domestic and foreign investment.

Nearly US$1 billion in investment is expected for infrastructure and industrial development in the CEIZ with government policy support, he said.

Khosru also said the government is set to launch a fully operational single-window service to ensure faster and easier services for investors and is taking initiatives to attract strategic foreign investment in the capital market.

He stressed the importance of ensuring workers' accommodation, improved living standards and environmental conservation alongside industrialisation and urged the Chinese partners to establish a modern skill development centre in Anwara to strengthen local industries, supply chains and skilled human resources.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Chattogram-13 lawmaker Sarwar Jamal Nizam, CRBC Vice Chairman Li Changgui and Bangladesh CEIZ Company Ltd (BCCL) Chairman Wang Benqian also spoke at the programme.