Bangladesh’s long-delayed Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram’s Anwara is moving closer to implementation, with a Tk4,189.46 crore infrastructure development proposal set for approval as authorities accelerate preparations ahead of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s upcoming visit to China.
The project, which has faced more than a decade of delays due to administrative, financing and implementation challenges, is being revived under the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) as part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation between Bangladesh and China.
According to officials, the infrastructure project will be placed before the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (Ecnec) for approval. The Prime Minister’s Office has initiated the project, while Beza will serve as the implementing agency.
Beza Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said efforts are underway to finalise the developer agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the Chinese government-nominated developer for the zone.
“We hope to complete the developer agreement within this month and before the prime minister’s visit to China,” he said.
The economic zone, spanning nearly 800 acres in Anwara, is being developed under a government-to-government initiative between Bangladesh and China. Although discussions began in 2014, progress remained stalled for years due to issues surrounding developer selection, financing arrangements and administrative approvals.
Under the revised development proposal, the project includes construction of a multipurpose jetty with a capacity of 20,000 deadweight tonnes, four-lane roads, a 25-million-litre Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), power and gas infrastructure, water supply systems, boundary walls and other supporting facilities.
Of the total project cost, Tk1,722 crore will be financed by the Bangladesh government, while Tk2,467 crore is expected through China’s Preferential Buyer’s Credit facility.
A delegation from the Export-Import Bank of China (China Exim Bank) is scheduled to meet Beza to discuss financing arrangements, implementation mechanisms and infrastructure development plans.
Strategically located near Chattogram Port, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Shah Amanat International Airport and several industrial hubs, the zone is expected to become a major investment destination for sectors including textiles, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, information technology and manufacturing.
According to Beza estimates, the economic zone is projected to attract around $500 million in foreign direct investment and generate approximately 100,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Officials expect the project to be completed by December 2031, with nearly 60% of factory-ready industrial plots prepared within the first three years of implementation.
