Bangladesh has begun the 800-acre Chattogram Chinese economic zone to expand export manufacturing and draw about $500 million in foreign investment.
Local fabric and accessory production by Chinese firms could help garment makers cut lead times, logistics and production costs.
Authorities expect 60 per cent of plots to be factory-ready within three years; the project is due by December 31, 2031.
For textile and apparel supply chains, the zone is expected to host advanced textiles and apparel accessories alongside pharmaceuticals, light engineering, information technology and other export-focused industries. Local production of fabrics, accessories and other inputs by Chinese manufacturers could help reduce lead times, logistics costs and production costs for Bangladesh’s readymade garment sector.
According to the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), about 60 per cent of the industrial plots are expected to be ready for factory construction within the first three years. The project gained momentum after Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s visit to China in June, when BEZA signed a developer agreement with China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
The Bangladesh government has also approved a supporting infrastructure plan for the zone, covering roads, bridges, a central effluent treatment plant, a multipurpose jetty, power and gas facilities, and water infrastructure. The site is located near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport, giving manufacturers access to key transport links for export shipments.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk
