Twelve new companies are expected to begin commercial operations in the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) Economic Zone (EZ) in Chattogram’s Mirersarai by 2025, according to officials.

So far, 41 firms have signed agreements to invest a total of $913.17 million in the zone, with the aim of creating over 131,000 jobs, reports BSS.

The BEPZA EZ, situated within the National Special Economic Zone, is already home to four operational industries. The firms will produce a wide range of goods, including garments, solar accessories, packaging materials, outdoor products, and hospital supplies.

BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman told BSS the zone is seeing strong interest from foreign investors, especially Chinese firms. Of the 41 companies, 24 are Chinese. Between August 2024 and March 2025 alone, BEPZA received 34 investment proposals from Chinese firms.

From July 2024 to March 2025, eight Chinese companies signed lease deals worth $153.82 million, with plans to produce solar components, luggage, and light engineering goods.

Ziaur Rahman noted that the rising Chinese investment is partly driven by US tariffs and Bangladesh’s competitive labour market. He emphasised a focus on product diversification and tech-based manufacturing in the zone.

BEPZA expects to attract further investment during the upcoming Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025, taking place from 7–10 April.

With nine industrial zones across the country, BEPZA contributes up to 20% of Bangladesh’s annual exports.