JAGARAN CHAKMA

The construction of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram has gained momentum nearly a decade after its initiation, as Dhaka and Beijing look to strengthen bilateral ties and punishing Trump tariffs prompt Chinese manufacturers to consider relocating factories.

Of the 784 acres designated for the economic zone in Anwara upazila of the port city, around 60 acres have been prepared for investors.

Utility services are also being put in place. The Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority has installed a pipeline for limited water supply, and Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited has set up a gas station nearby.

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) has also constructed the zone’s administrative building and two approach roads.

Some Chinese manufacturers have already visited the site, and officials expect around 200 potential Chinese investors to tour the zone soon.

“A major foreign investment worth over $1 billion is expected from China,” said Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) and Beza, referring to the recent visit by Chinese investors.

Initiated in 2016 following former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s 2014 visit to China, the project’s progress remained sluggish during the previous Awami League government.

However, after the political changeover in August last year, the new interim government showed renewed interest in strengthening trade ties with China — Bangladesh’s largest import market.

“We are seeing growing interest from Chinese investors,” said a Beza official. The official said that the expected investor visits could open up significant opportunities in apparel and auto manufacturing, electronics, and logistics.