Bangladesh is gearing up to establish exclusive economic zones (EEZs) tailored for Chinese investors, a strategic move by the interim government to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and deepen economic ties with one of its largest trade partners.
The plan, projected to draw in more than $1.5 billion and create thousands of jobs, is already taking shape. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has identified three sites for development: Anwara upazila in Chattogram, and two additional zones proposed in Chandpur and Bhola. All three fall under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement with China.
“This isn’t just about land or infrastructure. It’s about building livelihoods, creating jobs, and bringing long-term benefits to the local communities,” a senior BEZA official told the Daily Sun, underscoring the broader ambition of the initiative.
At the centre of this effort lies the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, where 800 acres have already been allocated. 
The Chief Adviser’s Office has prepared a development project proposal (DPP), titled “Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone”, which has been sent to the Planning Commission for consideration by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
According to the DPP, the project will cost Tk4,056.14 crore. Of this, Tk1,920 crore will be provided by the Bangladesh government, while Tk2,136.15 crore will come from Chinese project assistance under the preferential Buyer’s Credit scheme. 
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has been nominated to lead the construction work, scheduled to begin in July 2025 and continue until June 2029.
The Anwara zone is designed to be a fully functional industrial hub, complete with a 1.2-kilometre link road, a jetty, a treated water reservoir, a district gas regulating station, and a 25 MLD central effluent treatment plant.
Meanwhile, two other projects are moving in parallel. The Chandpur Economic Zone (CEZ) will be developed by China’s state-owned Power Construction Corporation (PowerChina), with a budget of Tk3,306 crore – including Tk2,370 crore for roadworks and Tk541.55 crore for power distribution. In Bhola, Leez Fashion Industries Limited, a Chinese firm already operating in Bangladesh, will spearhead the Bhola Eco-Development Economic Zone.
Officials anticipate that these projects will position Bangladesh as an attractive alternative for Chinese companies navigating global trade shifts, particularly in the aftermath of US tariffs on Chinese exports.
“This project is not just about infrastructure – it’s about creating jobs, reducing poverty, boosting exports, and uplifting the local economy,” another BEZA official remarked.
The Bhola zone is expected to draw investment across garments, textiles, electronics, and ceramics, with the potential to create up to 40,000 jobs. Together, the three economic zones are expected not only to bring capital and technology but also to serve as a model for future industrial development across the country.
 
Mohammad Zakaria is a journalist 
with the Daily Sun