Diplomatic Desk:
Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed has said that a new and historic era has begun in the industrial sector of Bangladesh with the laying of the foundation stone of the ‘China Economic and Industrial Zone’ (CEIZ) on the east bank of the Karnaphuli River in Anwara, Chittagong. This project, a joint initiative of the Government of Bangladesh and the People’s Republic of China (G2G) and in the light of the policies of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’, will play a groundbreaking role in the country’s long-term economic prosperity, diversified industrialization and massive employment creation.
The minister said these while speaking as a special guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the CEIZ in Anwara, Chittagong on Monday (July 27, 2026).
Finance Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury was present as the chief guest at the event. State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin also spoke as a special guest. The chairman’s speech was delivered by Ashiq Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA).
Speaking as the chief guest, the Finance Minister said that the current government is determined to increase and facilitate domestic and foreign investment. As part of this, a huge investment of about 1 billion (1 billion) US dollars is going to be achieved in the establishment of infrastructure and industries through the government’s policy support in the China-Bangladesh Economic and Industrial Zone. He said that to ensure fast and easy service to investors, the government has taken extensive initiatives to attract strategic foreign investment in the capital market and capital sector, as well as launching a 100% effective ‘single window service’ very soon. He also said that along with industrialization, housing for workers, modern living standards and preserving the environment and biodiversity are the main priorities of the current government. He called on Chinese partners to set up a modern ‘Skill Development Center’ in the Anwara Industrial Zone to develop domestic industries, strengthen supply chains and create skilled manpower.
The Home Minister said, “Today, by laying the foundation stone of CEIZ in this fertile soil of Anwara, we are not only raising a spade of soil, but also ushering in a new chapter in Bangladesh’s industrial transformation.” He mentioned that the economic cooperation between the two countries has reached a new height through this G2G project, which was adopted in the light of mutual trust, strong foundation of deep friendship and joint charter between the two countries.
Highlighting various important aspects of the project, the Home Minister further said that this large project, spread over an area of about 776 acres (314.39 hectares), will create direct employment for more than 36,000 people in the Chittagong region alone, which will have an unprecedented impact on the development of the local youth. In addition to the ready-made garment and textile industries, high-value industries such as bio-pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing and leather products will be established in this region, which will further diversify and strengthen Bangladesh’s export sector.
Stating that CEIZ is located in a very convenient location from a geographical and logistical point of view, Salahuddin Ahmed said that it is located just 700 meters from the Karnaphuli Tunnel, 6 kilometers from Shah Amanat International Airport and just 12 kilometers from Chittagong Port. Since it is directly connected to the N-1 National Highway, its goods transportation system will be very easy and fast. He said that to maintain the balance of the environment, an international standard Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and environment-friendly infrastructure are being constructed here, which will set a unique example of sustainable industrialization.
Assuring the overall security of the investors, the Minister clarified that the law enforcement agencies will always be ready to ensure the overall security of the CEIZ, uninterrupted transport corridor and safe working environment on behalf of the Ministry of Home Affairs. At the same time, he expressed his firm commitment to create an easy and prosperous investment-friendly environment by avoiding bureaucratic complications through BEZA’s ‘One-Stop Service (OSS)’ and ensuring quick approvals and services like gas and electricity.
At the end of his speech, the Home Minister thanked BEZA, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka and especially the people of Anwar and Chittagong for the successful implementation of this major project. He expressed hope that this industrial zone will serve as a sustainable bridge of permanent economic and friendship between Bangladesh and China.
Among others, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Member of Parliament for Chittagong-13 (Anowara-Karnaphuli) Sarwar Jamal Nizam and Vice Chairman of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Li Changgui spoke at the event. Bangladesh CEIZ Company Ltd (BCCL) Chairman Wang Benqian delivered the welcome address. Local political leaders, business representatives and journalists from print and electronic media were also present at the event.
