China Economic Zone in Chattogram: $1.3 Billion Investment Expected, 100,000 Jobs Forecast
A new Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone is set to be established on 783 acres of land in Anwara, Chattogram, Bangladesh. This ambitious project, located strategically near the Chattogram port, Karnaphuli Tunnel, Shah Amanat International Airport, and the under-construction Matarbari deep-sea port, is expected to attract approximately $1.3 billion in investment, equivalent to about 160 billion Bangladeshi Taka. Projections indicate that the zone will create over 100,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
The project's foundation stone was laid recently, marking the formal commencement of construction after a decade of planning. While the official implementation begins in January of the upcoming year, the infrastructure development is targeted for completion by December 2031. The initiative, a collaboration between the governments of Bangladesh and China, faced delays due to complexities in selecting a developer, financing, and contractual terms. China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) was finally appointed as the developer in 2022, following an earlier attempt with China Harbour Engineering Company. The National Economic Council Executive Committee (ECNEC) has approved a project worth 4,189.46 crore Taka for the supporting infrastructure, with 1,722 crore Taka from the government and the remainder from foreign loans.
Key infrastructure planned includes a multipurpose jetty capable of docking 20,000 deadweight tonnage vessels, a 1,235-meter jetty access road, a bridge, and a 1,181-meter four-lane road. A central effluent treatment plant (CETP) with a capacity of 25 million liters of liquid waste per day is also planned, alongside gas transmission lines, two electricity substations, water reservoirs, a solid waste collection center, and approximately 12 kilometers of boundary walls. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) aims to make at least 60% of the plots ready for factory construction within the first three years, with significant development expected by 2030. The zone is envisioned as a crucial hub within a developing industrial corridor stretching from Mirsharai to Cox's Bazar, integrating port facilities, industrial zones, power plants, and logistics infrastructure.
The development of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone in Chattogram represents a significant strategic initiative aimed at leveraging Bangladesh's geographic advantages for industrial growth and job creation. Its proximity to key transportation nodes like the Chattogram port and the Karnaphuli Tunnel is a notable strength, potentially fostering a synergistic industrial corridor. However, the project's success hinges critically on the timely and efficient delivery of essential utilities and services, including uninterrupted gas, electricity, and water supply, alongside robust waste management and streamlined investment processes. The long gestation period and past delays highlight the complexities of large-scale international development projects, underscoring the importance of effective governance and stakeholder coordination. As Bangladesh pursues economic diversification, the integration of such zones with national infrastructure plans, like the Matarbari deep-sea port, will be crucial for realizing long-term economic potential and ensuring equitable development across regions.
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