Construction of the long-awaited Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram is set to officially commence on 27 July, marking a significant milestone in Bangladesh-China economic cooperation after more than a decade of planning.
The groundbreaking ceremony will be attended by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.
Developed under a government-to-government initiative, the 800-acre economic zone is expected to attract approximately $500 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities. The project is scheduled for completion by December 2031.
The CEIZ will host Chinese, Bangladeshi, and other international investors across a range of export-oriented industries, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Business leaders have welcomed the launch of the project, describing it as a major step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial base, expanding exports, and deepening economic cooperation with China.
Industry representatives also believe the economic zone will significantly benefit Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector by encouraging Chinese manufacturers of fabrics, yarn, accessories, and other textile raw materials to establish production facilities locally. Such investments are expected to reduce import dependence, shorten lead times, strengthen backward linkage industries, and improve the global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel exports.
The project gained renewed momentum following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to China in June 2026, during which Bangladesh and China signed several investment agreements aimed at expanding bilateral economic cooperation.
According to Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen, more than 30 Chinese companies have already expressed interest in investing around $500 million in the China Economic Zone, reflecting growing confidence in Bangladesh as an emerging destination for manufacturing and industrial investment.
Once operational, the CEIZ is expected to play a key role in attracting quality foreign investment, promoting technology transfer, strengthening industrial value chains, and supporting Bangladesh’s long-term export diversification and economic growth.
