The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority expected that five economic zones would draw investment worth $5.5 billion by 2026.
The economic zones are National Special Economic Zone, Srihatta Economic Zone, Jamalpur Economic Zone, Moheshkhali Economic Zone and Bangladesh Special Economic Zone.
BEZA also hoped that the economic zones would create at least 2.38 lakh employment opportunities.聽
鈥業n the first phase, five zones will be completed with adequate utility connections (gas, electricity and water) and road infrastructure,鈥� said Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of BEZA, at a press conference at Bangladesh Investment Development Authority headquarters in the city.聽
He said that BEZA was making a realistic commitment to earn the confidence of investors to transform BEZA into a true investment friendly authority so that investors can implement its investment plan in time.
鈥業 think, if BEZA can implement the plan of five economic zones properly in the next two years, then it will be able to use this experience to take better initiatives in the future. However, this will require a concerted effort from all departments of the government,鈥� he added.
After taking charge as the executive chairman of BEZA, Chowdhury Ashik said, 鈥業 have discussed with all categories of stakeholders to identify the main issues in the establishment of economic zones, including business officials, domestic and foreign investors, developers, business organizations, development aid organizations and journalists.
鈥楲ater, I am trying to solve the problems by sitting with the relevant departments of the government. Decision-making has already been expedited in several cases,鈥� he added. He informed that BEZA had kept five more EZs under assessment which would be developed in phases after various surveys.
The zones are Sabrang Tourism Park, Chinese Economic Zone, Chadpur Economic Zone, Kurigram Economic Zone and Kushtia Economic Zone.
Chowdhury Ashik said that investors who had taken land but could not start operations for any reasons, were encouraged to set up industries and are requested to inform BEZA of their investment plans.
鈥業f these investors are unable to start the development work for construction of industrial establishments in accordance with our plan, then they are requested to return the land to BEZA,鈥� he added.
He said that initiatives were also being taken to set up economic zones on unused government land (jute mills and sugar mills) at various places.聽
He informed that the Korean Export Processing Zone was being brought under the jurisdiction of the BEZA. 鈥楽ome official formalities remain to be completed to this end,鈥� he said.