The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has opened the gates of the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) to foreign investors, aiming to position the site as a major driver of industrial transformation.

On Monday, around 60 investors from countries including South Korea, India, China, Japan, Australia, and the Netherlands visited the site as part of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

The tour marked the first such visit by international investors to the zone, which is located beside the Bay of Bengal and connected to key transport routes, including the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and Chattogram port.

Officials said the visit was intended to demonstrate Bangladesh’s political stability and investment potential. “They have seen the opportunities with their own eyes and are very impressed,” said Abul Kalam Azad Majumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser.

The NSEZ, still under development, has so far attracted investment proposals worth $19 billion. With 155 investors committed and plans to establish up to 500 industries, the site is expected to significantly boost exports and contribute to GDP growth.

Currently, 11 factories have begun operations, and 28 others are under construction. Industries range from garments and pharmaceuticals to electronics and agro-processing.

Rabiul Chowdhury, a US-based investor, praised the government’s reforms: “This shift has unlocked real opportunities and strong returns.” He expressed optimism about future US-Bangladesh business cooperation.

The zone also includes plans for housing, education, green infrastructure and renewable energy, aiming to serve as a model for sustainable industrial development.