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Govt fast-tracks Chinese economic zone in Anwara to boost FDI
Project targets over $1b in investment and thousands of jobs, with BEZA prioritising swift implementation under a G2G deal with China
The government has moved to fast-track the establishment of a dedicated Chinese Economic Zone in Anwara upazila of Chattogram, aiming to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and deepen economic ties with one of Bangladesh’s largest trading partners.
The 800-acre zone, already allocated, has been placed at the top of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority’s (BEZA) 180-day work plan, with officials describing it as the agency’s highest priority.
BEZA Executive Member Md Nazrul Islam said a contract agreement with the Chinese side is expected within a month. “Once signed, infrastructure development of the zone will begin,” he said.
The project is expected to attract more than US$1 billion in investment and create thousands of jobs. Officials said the zone will be developed under a government-to-government (G2G) arrangement with China.
At the centre of the initiative is the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, envisioned as a specialised hub for export-oriented Chinese enterprises.
The Prime Minister’s Office has prepared a Development Project Proposal (DPP) titled “Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone” and forwarded it to the Planning Commission for evaluation before approval by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
A planning ministry official confirmed that the project is now awaiting ECNEC approval.
According to the DPP, the project will cost Tk4,056.14 crore, with Tk1,920 crore to be funded by the Bangladesh government and Tk2,136.15 crore coming from Chinese assistance under the Preferential Buyer’s Credit scheme.
China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) has been nominated to carry out construction, which is expected to begin soon and continue until June 2029.
The Anwara zone is being designed as a fully serviced industrial ecosystem, featuring a 1.2-kilometre link road, jetty, treated water reservoir, district gas regulating station, and a 25 MLD central effluent treatment plant.
Officials say such infrastructure will make Bangladesh an attractive destination for Chinese companies seeking alternative production bases amid global supply chain shifts and the impact 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,” a BEZA official said.
Earlier, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said the initiative aligns with the government’s strategy to build an investment-driven economy.
“Our plan is centred on accelerating employment generation and increasing both domestic and foreign investment through implementation-focused reforms,” he said.
He added that amid global economic uncertainty, the government is placing greater emphasis on supporting domestic investors while continuing to encourage foreign investment.
With significant Chinese financing, a strategic location, and a long-term development plan, the Chinese Economic Zone in Anwara is expected to play a key role in boosting exports, diversifying industry, and driving regional economic transformation.
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