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Dhaka, July 24: Factories under the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) contributed $8.22 billion to the country’s total export earnings in the fiscal year 2024–25, accounting for 17.03% of national exports, according to official figures.

The country’s overall exports stood at $48.28 billion, as reported by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

BEPZA exports from its eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the BEPZA Economic Zone grew by 16.22%, rising from $7.07 billion in FY24.

Since inception, BEPZA has facilitated $119 billion in cumulative exports, with goods shipped to over 120 countries.

Employment and Investment Trends

Employment within BEPZA-managed zones rose sharply, with 533,527 workers employed as of June 2025—up from 500,110 the previous year—creating over 33,000 new jobs.

The increase came from both new industrial operations and the expansion of existing factories.

BEPZA Executive Director Abu Sayeed Md Anwar Parvez said 33 new investment agreements were signed in FY25, involving $497.48 million in proposed investment and a potential 59,408 jobs.

“Investors came from countries including China, South Korea, the UK, Ireland, the British Virgin Islands, Singapore, India, the UAE, and Bangladesh,” Parvez said.

The companies are involved in sectors such as readymade garments (RMG), electronics, footwear, leather goods, packaging, agro-products, tents, wigs, toys, and light engineering.

Fixed Asset Investment and Industrial Profile

In FY25, BEPZA enterprises invested $292.77 million in capital machinery, construction, and infrastructure—slightly down from $350.93 million in FY24. Officials attributed the drop to shifting global and domestic economic conditions but expressed optimism for a rebound next fiscal year.

BEPZA currently oversees 563 industrial units, of which 450 are operational and 113 under implementation.

Of the active units:

• 33% produce RMG,
• 18% make garment accessories,
• 9% are in textiles,
• The remaining 40% manufacture non-traditional exports including medical devices, electronics, furniture, and fashion items.

BEPZA operates eight EPZs across the country and the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsarai, Chattogram. Infrastructure development is underway for two new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali, with plot allocations expected to begin next year.