Chinese economic zone work starts Monday in Ctg, aiming 100,000 jobs

Construction of the long-awaited Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram's Anwara will begin on Monday, marking a major milestone for a flagship Bangladesh-China investment project that has been delayed for more than a decade.

The foundation stone will be laid at 10:00am by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Bangladesh Economic government-to-government initiative is expected to attract around $500 million in foreign direct investment (FDI) and generate more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to officials.

The foundation stone will be laid at 10:00am by Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Affairs Adviser Salahuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury.

Spread across nearly 800 acres, the CEIZ is designed to deepen Bangladesh-China economic cooperation, attract export-oriented industries and strengthen Bangladesh's manufacturing base. The project is scheduled for completion by 31 December 2031.

Officials said more than 30 Chinese companies have already committed investments worth about $500 million. The zone is expected to host industries including advanced textiles, pharmaceuticals, light engineering, information technology and other export-focused manufacturing sectors.

Business leaders welcomed the start of construction, saying the dedicated Chinese industrial zone would encourage additional foreign investment, expand bilateral trade and improve Bangladesh's competitiveness as a manufacturing destination.

BGMEA Director SM Abu Tayeb said investments by Chinese manufacturers in fabrics, accessories and other textile inputs would help build a stronger domestic supply chain, reducing lead times and production costs for Bangladesh's ready-made garment industry.

The project gained fresh momentum following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's official visit to China in June, during which several investment agreements were signed. BEZA later signed a developer agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to develop the economic zone.

Located near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport, the CEIZ is expected to emerge as a key logistics and manufacturing hub, supporting Bangladesh's industrialisation drive, boosting exports and creating large-scale employment.