Kaliakaira Hi-Tech Park has attracted investment proposals worth US$ 1.64 billion, according to Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Minister Faqir Mahbub Anam. The state-run facility, located on the outskirts of the capital, has already secured US$ 283 million in investments out of the proposed amount. Anam made the remarks while visiting the hi-tech park to assess its prospects and challenges. The park has drawn investment proposals from companies based in China, Japan, India, South Korea, and the United States, totaling US$ 629 million. Multinational companies, including Google, Meta, and TikTok, have also proposed investments for a planned AI data center project. The park is currently under construction.
Investment and Development
Anam highlighted the government's initiatives to accelerate investment in Kaliakair Hi-Tech Park and make domestic products competitive in the global market under the "Made in Bangladesh" initiative. He mentioned that fiscal and non-fiscal incentives are being prepared for investors. The minister emphasized that these initiatives align with the BNP government's 2026 election manifesto, which aims to implement the "National Green Industrial Policy" and establish an AI hub for software, app, and hardware production.
Current Operations and Future Plans
An official statement revealed that 85 companies have been allotted plots or space at the park, with 40 already in production or business activities, 28 setting up their plants, and 17 expected to start construction soon. The government has spent over Tk 500 crore on basic infrastructure development, while companies have invested around US$ 283 million, equivalent to about Tk 3,245 crore. Anam noted that the park could generate direct and indirect employment for around one lakh people if a proper business ecosystem is developed.
Government Commitment and Policy Measures
The minister assured the government's commitment to opening new horizons for the technology industry by developing infrastructure for IT and hi-tech industries, creating an ecosystem for technology-based industries, and ensuring quick one-stop services for investors. Anam mentioned that the government is preparing a package of investment-policy measures, including duty and tax benefits on imports of capital machinery, VAT benefits on essential services, and customs and tax rebates on raw materials. These measures aim to attract more investment to hi-tech parks and support the growth of the technology sector.
