The planned Tk 41.8946-billion (~$341.165 million) zone, located on nearly 800 acres beside the Karnaphuli Tunnel and close to Chattogram port, is expected to attract more than $1 billion in investment and generate around 100,000 jobs, according to a domestic media outlet.
Bangladesh’s National Economic Council recently approved a planned project to construct a Chinese economic and industrial zone in Chattogram’s Anwara.
The $341.165 million project under the Prime Minister’s Office will be located beside the Karnaphuli Tunnel and close to Chattogram port, and is expected to attract more than $1 billion in investment and generate around 100,000 jobs.
The economic and industrial zone has the potential to attract investment in garments, electronics, mobile phone assembly, footwear, light engineering and sports goods manufacturing.
Under the proposal, the government will provide Tk 17.222 billion, while Tk 24.6726 billion will come through Chinese preferential buyer’s credit.
Planned infrastructure includes roads, bridges, power transmission facilities, gas and water connections, a central effluent treatment plant, a multipurpose jetty and other industrial utilities.
The planned project has been delayed since Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Bangladesh in 2016. Although land acquisition was completed years ago, procedural complications, contractor-related issues and repeated revisions reportedly slowed progress.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)
