Faster service for investors at EPZs

The government has decided to give faster services to investors at the Export Processing Zones (EPZ). This is indeed great news for investors, who already have factories in these zones or considering setting up theirs. Such services will also attract more foreign and local investors.

The government recently decided that the investors of the EPZs will get an on-arrival visa. They will be given security clearance for a work permit within 21 days. They will also receive gas connection within a week and electricity connection within two weeks.

The EPZs are a great platform for job creation. The Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) was established to ensure a favourable investment environment for foreign and local investors. The EPZs are divided into three categories: 'A' includes 100 per cent foreign investment, 'B'- 50 per cent foreign investment and 50 per cent local and 'C' features 100 per cent local investment. At the moment, there are eight EPZs. Together these have eight EPZs where 282 factories are operational. Around 38 countries including the USA, China, Japan, Korea, Pakistan and India have invested here. Work on two more is currently ongoing.

I hope the government will implement these new facilities soon so that existing and new investors will be encouraged to do business in the EPZs.

Mohammed Sohel Hara

Banasree, Dhaka

[email protected]