Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has so far received investment proposals worth around US$27.07 billion from local and foreign business entities, mainly as the result of various government steps to attract new investments.
The proposed investments may create over 10 lakh job opportunities in the country.
Out of the total amount, around $23.97 billion in proposals have come for the government EZs while $3.1 billion for private EZs.
Of them, around $1.62 billion in proposals have come as foreign direct investment (FDI) from different companies in China, India, the UK, the USA, the Netherlands, Japan, Singapore, Australia, South Korea, Malaysia and Germany.
World-famous companies like Jiangsu Yabang Dyestuff Co Ltd, Honda Motors, Sumitomo Nippon, Asian Paints, Berger Paints, Adani Group, Wilmar, Siam Group, TIC Group, Unilever, Sakata Inch, Jiehong Medical Products (BD) Co Ltd, CCECC Bangladesh Limited, HAS Tech Limited, Ramky Enviro Services Private Limited Fortis Group, Lizard Sports BV, Inter-Asia Group Limited and Chain Harbour are the major foreign investors.
The major local investors are Metro Spinning Limited, Maksons Spinning and Textiles, Samuda Food Products Limited, Uttara Motors Limited, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Sayeman Beach Resort Limited, Maf Shoes Limited, Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), Runner Motors, Saif Powertec, Delta Pharma Limited and Asia Composite Mills Limited.
Talking to Bangladesh Post, BEZA Executive Chairman, Paban Chowdhury said beyond these investment proposals, many world-renowned foreign companies are coming with big investment offers.
He further said that due to the sustainability and long-term planning of the present government, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar (BSMSN) has been known as an ideal place for investment by domestic and foreign investors.
If the flow of investment in BSMSN continues, he said, it will be a challenge for BEZA to give land to investors for industrial use next year.
He mentioned that BSMSN will be the next investment and trade capital of Bangladesh.
The BEZA executive chairman said many entrepreneurs from home and abroad have already started construction works for their industrial units in the economic zones, while many are making preparations to set up factories there.
He mentioned that the government is providing all sorts of facilities to the economic zones to ensure an investment-friendly environment. “Both local and foreign businesses that invest in the economic zones will enjoy the same facilities,” he added.
The BEZA governing board has already approved the location and amount of land in 97 economic zones, of which 68 are public economic zones and 29 are private economic zones Chowdhury informed.
Out of the economic zones, he said, nine zones have already gone into production while the development of 28 zones is progressing fast.
He also informed that 26 industries have gone into production while construction work of 35 industries is ongoing.
“The economic zones have already created 39 thousand employment opportunities. BEZA has also introduced the One Stop Service (OSS) center for providing all necessary services to the investors of the country through a single window,” Paban Chowdhury added.
Now, he informed, BEZA is providing a total of 125 services under OSS centre. Out of the services, investors are now getting 48 services online, he added.
