Bangladesh is set to advance the long-delayed Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) project in Chattogram’s Anwara, as the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) moves closer to finalising a developer agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation by June.
The 783-acre economic zone, being developed under a government-to-government initiative, is expected to enter its implementation phase after nearly a decade of delays caused by unresolved agreements and coordination challenges.
Officials said key negotiations related to the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) framework are now in their final stage, paving the way for formal project execution. Once the agreement is signed, construction of core infrastructure—including roads, utilities, a jetty, and a central effluent treatment plant—will begin.
The project, estimated at Tk4,056 crore, will be partly financed by a $221 million concessional loan from China. Under the framework, BEZA will oversee off-site infrastructure, while the developer will handle internal development.
Priority sectors for investment in the zone include textiles, pharmaceuticals, and light engineering—areas expected to attract significant foreign direct investment and strengthen Bangladesh’s industrial base.
Located near the Karnaphuli River and close to the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the CEIZ project is seen as a strategic initiative to enhance regional connectivity and industrial capacity. The foundation stone was laid in 2016 during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Officials believe that successful implementation of the project could play a transformative role in Bangladesh’s industrialisation and position the country as a more competitive destination for global investors.
