The construction of the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram is set to officially begin tomorrow with the laying of the foundation stone. This marks the start of one of Bangladesh's largest foreign investment-driven industrial zones, following a delay of over ten years.
The project, which will be established on approximately 800 acres of land in the Belchura area of Anwara, received renewed impetus following Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China. During this visit, an agreement was signed between the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) for the project.
The foundation stone laying ceremony will be attended by several high-profile figures, including Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, and BEZA Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashique Mahmud Bin Harun.
The project is being developed through government-to-government (G-to-G) management, with an estimated cost of Taka 4,189.46 crore. Of this, Taka 1,722 crore will be provided by government financing, and Taka 2,467 crore will come through a Preferential Buyers Credit (PBC) loan from China's Exim Bank.
Amirul Haque, President of the Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), highlighted that the specialized economic zone for Chinese industrial enterprises will further strengthen the economic partnership between Bangladesh and China.
