Written by The Banking Post
The proposed Bhola Eco-Development Economic Zone has received pre-qualification approval from the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), opening the door to $1.0 billion in potential investments and nearly 100,000 new jobs.
Planned on 102 acres of land in Bhola Sadar upazila, the zone will host fish and meat processing, dairy production, and other agro-based industries across 40 industrial plots. BEZA said the area would eventually expand to 158 acres.
Officials expect the project to become a game-changer for the southern region. “The zone will play a vital role in fostering industries based on fisheries and agriculture. Alongside revitalising the economy of the region, it will emerge as an attractive destination for both local and foreign investors,” said a BEZA statement.
The Bhola zone is the first of its kind in Barishal division, with China’s Liz Fashion Industries Limited developing the project. Company officials said the EZ is being designed as an eco-friendly, circular hub for industries.
Chinese investors have already expressed strong interest, aiming to capitalise on Bhola’s natural gas and agricultural resources. Liz Fashion, which has significant investments in garments and textiles in Bangladesh, sees the project as a natural extension of its operations.
