China Leads Investments in Bangladesh EPZs, Local Entrepreneurs Rank Second

Chinese companies have firmly secured the top position in foreign direct investment across Bangladesh's Export Processing Zones (EPZs). According to the latest data from the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), China has singly invested $1.78 billion, a figure that includes investments from Taiwan and Hong Kong. Notably, local Bangladeshi entrepreneurs have secured the second position in capital allocation.

The initiative to set up EPZs in Bangladesh began in 1980, leading to the establishment of the first zone in Chattogram in 1983. The primary goal was to bring in raw materials duty-free under bond facilities, manufacture goods, and export them directly to the international market. Currently, BEPZA oversees 8 functional EPZs and two economic zones, which together host cumulative investments of $7.42 billion from 38 countries as of September.

Following China and Bangladesh in the top tier are South Korea, Japan, and the United States. South Korea's cumulative investment stands at nearly $1.20 billion, while Japan has poured in around $645 million. Other prominent contributors include the United States with $420 million, the United Kingdom with $300 million, alongside Sri Lanka and India contributing roughly $260 million each.

Economic analysts emphasize that these foreign ventures are pivotal in diversifying the country's manufacturing output beyond traditional ready-made garments, expanding into light engineering and electronics. To sustain and accelerate this investment trajectory, stakeholders urge authorities to ensure uninterrupted utility supplies and streamline administrative clearances for foreign businesses.