The National Economic Council’s Executive Committee, known as Ecnec, has given the green light to a project worth Tk 4,189 crore. This initiative aims to establish essential infrastructure for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram.
The CEIZ is anticipated to evolve into one of Bangladesh’s primary foreign investment centers, with projections suggesting an influx of at least $500 million in foreign direct investment. Moreover, it is expected to create over 100,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, once fully operational.
Back in 2018, Bangladesh requested a loan of $221.18 million from China to support infrastructure development within the zone. Subsequently, the Chinese government agreed to finance the project under its Preferential Buyer’s Credit (PBC) program.
Of the total project cost, Tk 1,722 crore will be sourced from government funds, while Tk 2,467 crore is projected to come from loans facilitated under the PBC scheme.
Scheduled to be executed by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the project, officially titled the Supporting Infrastructure Project for Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone, is set to run from January 2027 to December 2031.
The CEIZ, established through Bangladesh-China collaboration, is strategically positioned in Anwara, granting it convenient access to key transportation hubs such as Chattogram Port, the Karnaphuli Tunnel, and Shah Amanat International Airport, rendering it an attractive choice for foreign investors.
The project’s objectives include enhancing industrial competitiveness, fostering export diversification, and enabling technology transfer by leveraging increased Chinese investment.
Among the project components are the construction of a versatile jetty, connecting roads, a bridge, as well as utility infrastructure like water storage facilities, a gas pipeline, a central effluent treatment plant, and waste management facilities.
Additionally, the project encompasses the establishment of two power substations, approximately 20 kilometers of transmission lines, and nearly 12 kilometers of boundary walls equipped with security gates.
Officials from the planning ministry have emphasized the project’s focus on land development and the installation of essential utilities to ensure the zone is primed for investment.
SM Shakil Akhter, the Planning Secretary, highlighted that the initial phase will concentrate on roads, power transmission lines, and other vital services crucial for attracting industrial investors.
Beyond its investment allure, the economic zone is expected to boost the commercial utility of the Karnaphuli Tunnel by stimulating industrial traffic flow.
Mohammad Mohsin Ul Alam Swapan, Vice President of the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry, expressed optimism about the economic benefits the zone will bring to southern Chattogram. He emphasized the potential for increased tunnel traffic and economic growth in the region.
The current daily usage of the tunnel stands at around 4,000 vehicles, significantly lower than the projected demand. This results in a daily revenue deficit, despite toll collections, impacting operational costs.
BEZA has reported considerable interest from over 100 Chinese companies spanning various sectors like leather, light engineering, medical equipment, and chemicals, looking to establish their presence within the zone.
While facing delays, the project, covering nearly 800 acres, has completed land acquisition through bilateral agreements between Bangladesh and China. The development of infrastructure was initially assigned to China Harbour Engineering Company but faced challenges in finalizing the agreement.
In 2022, China Road and Bridge Corporation took up the role of the new developer and later formed a joint venture with BEZA to advance the project positively.
