Written by The Banking Post
The long-stalled Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram’s Anwara is finally set to move into the implementation phase, with authorities expecting to sign a key developer agreement by June.
Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority said negotiations with China Road and Bridge Corporation are now in the final stage, clearing the way for construction to begin after more than nine years of delay.
“We expect to sign the land developer agreement by June,” said a senior official, adding that several pending agreements are close to completion.
The 783-acre zone, being developed under a government-to-government arrangement, had remained stuck mainly due to the absence of a developer agreement. Earlier plans involving another Chinese firm failed, while delays in project approvals and contract negotiations further slowed progress.
Under the project structure, BEZA will handle off-site infrastructure such as roads, gas, electricity and water, while the developer will carry out internal development. Officials said lack of coordination between these components also contributed to delays.
Momentum has picked up in recent months, with authorities prioritising the project as part of a broader investment push. Discussions with Chinese counterparts have intensified, and both sides have agreed to fast-track the project.
The zone will be funded partly through a $221 million Chinese loan and is expected to host industries such as textiles, pharmaceuticals and light engineering to attract foreign investment.
Located near the Karnaphuli River and close to the Karnaphuli Tunnel, the project includes building a jetty, connecting roads and a central effluent treatment plant. It is scheduled for completion by 2029.
The project was first announced in 2016 during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping, but made little progress for years. Officials now say successful implementation could boost industrialisation and strengthen Bangladesh’s appeal to global investors, particularly from China.
