Bangladesh is set to mark the official launch of one of its largest foreign investment projects with a groundbreaking ceremony for the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Anwara on Monday.
The project aims to accelerate local industrialisation, expand export capacity, and deepen economic cooperation between Bangladesh and China.
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury will attend the event as chief guest, alongside Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed as special guest.
The ceremony will include the signing of a sub-lease agreement, the launch of a one-stop service platform, and the unveiling of the official slogan for the development.
The Executive Committee of the National Economic Council recently approved a supporting infrastructure project valued at 41.89 billion taka.
The infrastructure phase will run from January 2027 to December 2031, managed by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority.
Funding includes 24.67 billion taka in foreign financing through a Preferential Buyer's Credit facility from the Export-Import Bank of China, with the remaining 17.22 billion taka provided by the government.
Planned works cover internal roads, a dedicated link road to a new multipurpose jetty, water reservoirs, gas transmission lines, power substations, and a central effluent treatment plant.
The economic zone spans approximately 783 acres along the eastern bank of the Karnaphuli River, developed under a government-to-government initiative.
Authorities expect the site to attract at least $500 million in foreign direct investment once operational.
The development is projected to create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs and encourage export-orientated manufacturing in the region.
Located close to Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport, the hub is designed to enhance industrial competitiveness and position Chattogram as a key regional logistics centre.
