Chinese economic zone is key step in implementing PM's China visit outcomes: envoy

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen today (27 July) said the groundbreaking of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram marks a key step towards delivering the outcomes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China.

"The groundbreaking of the CEIZ marks a key step to deliver the outcomes of Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China," Yao said while addressing the groundbreaking ceremony of the zone in Chattogram, according to a press release issued by the Chinese Embassy here.

The ambassador said the economic zone would help Bangladesh strengthen its industrial and supply chains, enhance export capacity and create employment opportunities for local people.

He said China stands ready to work with Bangladesh to accelerate construction of the zone, attract more high-quality enterprises and develop the CEIZ into a landmark project under high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

Ambassador Yao visited Chattogram today to attend the groundbreaking ceremony and also met representatives of Chinese enterprises intending to establish operations in the zone.

More than 300 people attended the ceremony, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.

Local dignitaries and residents as well as representatives of Chinese companies and the media also joined the event.

Bangladeshi officials described the CEIZ as a flagship project aimed at attracting foreign investment and accelerating the country's industrialisation.

They expressed hope that the zone would further expand practical cooperation between Bangladesh and China, help address development bottlenecks and bring tangible benefits to local communities.