STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday asked Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) to promote the country abroad and attract more investments in the industrial sectors.

The directive came when Bepza submitted its annual report for fiscal year 2023-24 to him at his Tejgaon office. He suggested Bepza collaborate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and form a team for economic diplomacy.

Yunus also suggested engaging Bangladeshi students abroad, particularly in China and Japan, to assist investors in overcoming language barriers.

Bepza Executive Chairman Maj Gen Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman said they received positive responses following the July-August uprising in Bangladesh and the changing global political landscape.

“In the past three weeks, we have received investment proposals worth $135 million from Chinese investors. Talks are underway for more investments,” he told the chief adviser.

He said currently, eight export processing zones are operational in Bangladesh, housing 452 factories, with 136 more under construction. Of these, over 100 are locally owned, while the rest are mostly joint ventures.

About 52 percent of the factories produce garments, textiles, and accessories, while the rest manufacture various items, including coffins and toys.