Factories under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) contributed $8.22 billion to the country’s export earnings in the fiscal year 2024– 25, accounting for 17.03% of the national total, according to official data.

The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reported Bangladesh’s overall exports stood at $48.28 billion during the year. BEPZA’s share, generated from eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, reflects a 16.22 per cent year-on-year growth from $7.07 billion in FY24.

Since its establishment, BEPZA has facilitated cumulative exports of $119 billion, with goods shipped to more than 120 countries. Alongside export growth, employment in BEPZA zones rose to 533,527 by June 2025—an increase of over 33,000 from the previous year.

Executive Director Abu Sayeed Md Anwar Parvez attributed the job growth to the commencement of new operations and expansion of existing facilities. In FY25, BEPZA signed 33 new investment agreements involving $497.48 million in proposed capital and a projected employment impact of 59,408.

Investors hailed from China, South Korea, the UK, India, and several other countries. Products manufactured include garments, electronics, footwear, leather goods, packaging, agro-products, and light engineering items.

Fixed asset investment totalled $292.77 million, slightly lower than the $350.93 million recorded in FY24, primarily due to adjustments in global and domestic economic conditions.

Of the 563 industrial units under BEPZA, 450 are currently operational. Two new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali are presently under construction, with plot allocations expected to be announced next year.