CEIZ to usher in new era for economy: Khosru
Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury has said the China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram is expected to attract investments over one billion US dollars. He emphasized that this initiative will positively influence not only Anwara but also the broader Chattogram economy, paving the way for new industrialization opportunities.
He said this while laying foundation of Bangladesh-China Economic and Industrial Zone at Belchura area of Anwara, Chattogram today. The Finance Minister highlighted that the current investment represents a significant milestone in the pursuit of transforming Bangladesh into a trillion-dollar economy by 2034. He mentioned that the government aims to generate one crore jobs. “This economic zone is projected to provide employment for over one lakh individuals. While discussions currently indicate an investment of $500 million, the total investment in this area, including infrastructure, is anticipated to surpass one billion dollars,” he stated.
He also mentioned that the advantages of CEIZ will extend beyond Anwara, positively influencing the economy of the entire Chattogram region. A robust supply chain and various service sectors will be established here. Additionally, there will be housing provisions for workers, he said. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury stated that the execution of this project will generate new opportunities not only for industries but also for housing, transportation, logistics, service sectors, and small to medium-sized enterprises.
This initiative will inject new energy into the overall economic activities of South Chattogram, he added. The Finance Minister noted that the capital market is undergoing a complete restructuring, expressing his desire for Chinese investors to be listed on Bangladesh's capital market. Urging the Chinese ambassador to establish a skill development center in Anwara or Chattogram, the finance minister said, “It would serve as a source of both Chinese and local investment for industries in addition to facilitate job opportunities abroad.”
“I am aware that there are numerous skill centers, both large and small throughout China. Thus, this will also represent another objective for us in terms of collaboration,” he said. Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin were the special guests at the event.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Executive Chairman of BEZA Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, Chairman of CEIZ Wang Benchian, Sarwar Jamal Nizam,MP, President of Chattogram Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mohammad Amirul Haque, among others, spoke on the occasion. Ershad Ullah, MP, Abu Sufian,MP, Humam Quader Chowdhury, MP, Chattogram Customs Clearing and Forwarding Agents Association President SM Saiful Alam, MM. Ispahani Limited Chairman Mirza Salman Ispahani, senior officials of BEZA, government officials, business leaders and local and foreign investors were present.
