Plans to set up economic zones in southwest yet to gather pace

The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) has taken the initiative to set up 17 economic zones in the southwestern part of

the country, but their implementation is yet to gain momentum because of lengthy procedures linked to land acquisition and feasibility studies.

The state-run agency is optimistic that the road connectivity established between Dhaka and the region, following the inauguration of the Padma Bridge, will attract more investment in the industrial sector and create job opportunities.

Earlier, it said the 6.15km bridge will also connect Bangladesh with the Asian Highway, paving the way for an industrial revolution to take place in the country, particularly in 21 southwestern districts.

The Beza has selected five sites for establishing economic zones in Bagerhat, two each in Khulna, Gopalganj, and Barishal, and one each in Faridpur, Madaripur, Bhola, Shariatpur, Satkhira and Kushtia. The zones are part of the government's goal to set up 100 economic zones across the country, aiming to create one crore jobs and export $40 billion worth of goods and services from the enclaves by 2040.

According to a BEZA official, the Mongla Economic Zone (MEZ) is being developed on 205 acres of land near the Mongla Port. It has already constructed the administrative building, boundary walls, connecting bridge and roads, power sub-stations, and water connections. Powerpack Economic Zone Ltd is developing the MEZ under the public-private partnership (PPP) model.

The land-lease deal has been prepared to set up three industrial units there. BEZA sources said there was a slight development regarding the Indian Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mongla. The process

to form a joint venture has already begun and is currently awaiting implementation.

The Beza has acquired 100 acres of land for the Indian SEZ, with ARTELIA Consulting set to work on implementing the project.

"All negotiations have been completed. We are just waiting for the prime minister's approval to form the joint venture," said a Beza official, requesting anonymity.

The agency plans to set up an ecotourism park on 1,546 acres of land near the Sundarbans in Bagerhat. Furthermore, it has approved the proposal of building two economic zones in Shariatpur: one on 525 acres of land in Jajira upazila and the other on 686 acres of land in Goshairhat upazila.

The Beza has also agreed in principle to build an economic zone on 1,125 acres of land in the Rajoir upazila of Madaripur.

The government has decided to establish an economic zone on 888 acres of land in the Faridpur sadar upazila. Moreover, a feasibility study has already been carried out for another zone on 200 acres of land in Gopalganj's Kotalipara. A detailed project plan has been prepared.

The governing body of the Beza has chosen Terokhada upazila to set up an economic zone. The task to conduct the feasibility study for an economic zone in Magura's Sreepur upazila and another in Satkhira sadar upazila has been initiated.

The feasibility study for the economic zone on about 430 acres of land in Kushtia's Bheramara upazila has been conducted. One zone in the Batiaghata upazila of Khulna is in the pipeline, with the Satkhira district administration providing 262 acres of land. A project has been undertaken to conduct the feasibility study.

The feasibility study for setting up an economic zone in Barishal's Agailjhara has been completed. The Beza has also approved the proposal to develop an economic zone in Hizla.

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) said it is establishing an export processing zone in Aliapur union under Patuakhali sadar upazila on 411 acres of land, around 40km from the Payra port and 80km from the Mongla port. The estimated cost is Tk 1,443 crore.

Sources said they have already appointed a developer to build the zone, and they are hoping to make it suitable for investment by 2026.

Referring to the master plan of the zone, a Bepza official said they would be able to accommodate 306 industries in the zone, which could potentially attract $1.5 billion in investment and create 100,000 jobs. At least $1.8 billion worth of products will be exported from the zone once it is operational, said the official.

A small glimpse into the potential of the Padma Bridge is offered by the Patuakhali Industrial Estate. After the completion of the bridge, 15 new industrial establishments have been set up there. As it lies along the Patuakhali-Dhaka highway, local entrepreneurs are eager to set up industrial establishments.

Md Al Amin, an official of the Patuakhali BSCIC Industrial City, said that after the opening of Padma Bridge, a direct road network has been established between Patuakhali and Dhaka.

"As a result, industrial products can easily be sent to different parts of the country at lower costs. Due to this, many companies have been established in the zone."