Bangladesh is steadily advancing toward a more export-oriented, employment-generating, and tech-driven economy. In the quiet coastal upazila of Mirsarai, a seismic shift is underway-one that could redefine Bangladesh's economic future. Stretching across 33,805 acres of reclaimed land, the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) is emerging as South Asia's most ambitious industrial transformation project. Spearheaded by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), this master-planned city of industry aims to catalyze sustainable growth, job creation, and export competitiveness on a scale never before seen in the country. In November 2024, the zone's name was officially changed to National Special Economic Zone, aligning with the government's new industrial and investment policy. The government estimates the NSEZ will generate over 1.5 million jobs and attract billions of dollars in investment.
In a marked policy pivot, Bangladesh is scaling back its initial ambition of establishing 100 economic zones to concentrate on development in five strategic areas-foremost among them is Mirsarai's NSEZ. The goal: to intensify impact, streamline investment flows, and accelerate industrialization through focused infrastructure and regulatory reform. When asked, the Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram, said "We are working diligently to bridge the gap between investor expectations and ground realities in the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) to make the zone attractive for the foreign investors". BEZA Executive Member Saleh Ahmed said, "This isn't just another industrial park. It's the nucleus of a future-ready economy-green, smart, and globally competitive."
Why Mirsarai?
With its ideal geographic positioning and growing logistics infrastructure, NSEZ is rapidly emerging as a pivotal industrial and export hub in South Asia. Its strategic connections to sea, river, and road networks make it an efficient node in the global supply chain. Strategically located between Chattogram and Feni, with 25 kilometers of shoreline along the Sandwip Channel. The land, mostly reclaimed, ranges in elevation from -3.33 meters to +8.71 meters above sea level. With 136.86 square kilometers under development, this is poised to become one of South Asia's largest and best-planned industrial zones. NSEZ's low climate risk, expansive land mass, and close proximity to major ports like Chattogram port and Matarbari deepsea port position, it is an ideal logistics and manufacturing hub. Just 60 kilometers from Chattogram Port and Shah Amanat International Airport, and 200 kilometers from the capital, Dhaka, the zone offers exceptional connectivity. Goods can reach the port within an hour, streamlining customs clearance and reducing shipping delays that offers investors rapid access to both domestic and international markets.
The NSEZ promises international-standard facilities, including tax holidays, fast-track licensing, upgraded infrastructure, and a One-Stop Service (OSS) center to simplify procedures for both local and foreign investors. Designed to become one of South Asia's major manufacturing and export hubs, the zone positions Bangladesh as a prime "China Plus One" destination.
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NSEZ: More Than an Economic Zone, A Blueprint for Transformation
This mega-project is envisioned as a model for sustainable, innovation-driven industrialization. The zone will host a multimodal logistics hub, a 2,000 MW power facility, a water treatment plant, eco-friendly roads, advanced waste management systems, and a streamlined one-stop service for investors. Global and regional corporate giants have already begun investing here, including Japan's Sumitomo, South Korea's Hyundai, India's Asian Paints, China's Jiehong, and Bangladesh's Walton and Kiam Glass.
NSEZ isn't solely focused on industry. The initiative includes modern residential areas for relocated families, hospitals, educational institutions, and work environments that support female employment. With assistance from the World Bank, ADB, and JICA, the zone is being developed to meet international standards.
Economists and industry analysts assert that NSEZ is more than a hub for investment-it's a transformative force propelling Bangladesh toward a resilient, innovation-centric economy.
Future Connectivity: The Marine Drive and Beyond
Industry experts believe that integrating NSEZ with the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar railway line and the Karnaphuli Tunnel could substantially reduce transportation costs and improve access to markets in southern Bangladesh.
Moreover, developing Mirsarai's Marine Drive and linking it with the Sitakunda Marine Drive would further enhance the efficiency, safety, and affordability of export operations via Chattogram Port. If the port's operational perimeter is extended toward Sitakunda, Bangladesh's export capacity could multiply, creating a significant positive ripple effect on the national economy.
Key Export Benefits:
Chattogram Port Access: Open 24/7, Chattogram Port enables quick unloading and shipment of goods, significantly reducing turnaround times for exporters.
Matarbari Deep Sea Port: Once operational, this deep-sea port will allow large vessels to dock, enhancing Bangladesh's capacity to engage in high-volume international trade.
Improved Connectivity: Modern marine drive roads and tunnel links ensure safe, fast, and cost-effective transportation of goods to and from the zone.
However, prominent voices from the region, other local experts and stakeholders, have expressed concerns regarding the timely completion of the Mirsarai-Sitakunda Marine Drive. They warn that unless this vital infrastructure is expedited, the full export potential of the NSEZ may be compromised. AFM Borhan, Senior Journalist, Chattogram, said, "Without the Marine Drive, NSEZ's logistics advantage is just theoretical". In their view, immediate action to construct this road link is essential. It would not only ensure smoother logistics but also help NSEZ emerge as a sustainable and globally competitive export hub.
Master-Planned Smart Industrial City
As Bangladesh's first master-planned and zoned industrial city, the NSEZ offers:
• Clearly demarcated industrial, residential, administrative, banking, and green zones
One-Stop Service (OSS) for all regulatory needs
• A $1.13 billion multimodal logistics hub
• Guaranteed utility infrastructure: 2,000 MW power, gas, water facilities
• Full ICT backbone and 24/7 monitoring
• Rehabilitation and workforce development programmes
Zone Structure Overview:
• Industrial Zone: Designated for heavy industries, high-tech manufacturing, electronics, textiles, electronics, light engineering, pharmaceuticals and so on.
• Residential Zone: Housing facilities for workers and officials, along with essential amenities such as hospitals, schools, and gender-sensitive infrastructure ensuring safety and support for women.
• Administrative Zone:Hosts key administrative functions including the BEZA office, customs facilities, and a One-Stop Service (OSS) center.
• Banking Zone: Financial institutions such as One Bank, Eastern Bank, and City Bank have already commenced operations to support industrial and commercial activity.
• Environmental Zone: Focused on sustainable practices, this zone includes greenery, waste management systems, water treatment facilities, solar power generation, and rainwater harvesting mechanisms.
Policy Backbone and Ease of Doing Business
NSEZ serves as a national model for investment facilitation:
• 25+ government approvals under one roof through BEZA's OSS
• Online application and tracking system
Policy continuity guaranteed for 20 years
•Full foreign ownership, tax holidays, duty exemptions, and free repatriation of profits
• Trade licence within 3 days, and environment clearance in 10 working days
A Human-Centric Development Model
BEZA has implemented a Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) for families affected by land acquisition, providing compensation, housing, healthcare, and employment training.
Worker welfare is also prioritised with:
• Secured and planned housing
• Women's hostels and maternity care
Daycare centres
• On-site healthcare facilities
• Safety infrastructure aligned with international standards
The BEZA Institute of Skills Development (BISD) offers industry-relevant training, for people including women workers.
• Training Programmes: Offers industry-relevant training courses in mechanical, electrical, garments, and automation technologies and so on.
• Dedicated Facilities for Women: Specialised training programmes and separate residential facilities are available to support women trainees.
• Curriculum Design: Developed in collaboration with national and international organizations to ensure alignment with global standards and industry needs.
NSEZ: Building Bangladesh's First Smart & Green Factory Hub
The National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai is set to become Bangladesh's first fully integrated smart industrial ecosystem, spearheaded by BEZA. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, this initiative aims to establish a Green Factory Hub, combining modern infrastructure, eco-friendly technologies, and digital solutions to reduce carbon emissions, promote renewable energy, and ensure efficient use of water and energy. It is now emerging as a flagship example of climate resilience, environmental responsibility, and sustainable development.
Key Features:
• Smart Industrial Area Development: A world-class industrial zone will be developed on 500 acres, with the appointment of an international master developer to oversee planning and execution.
• Smart Factories Powered by AI & IoT: The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will drive automation and efficiency, making production processes more sustainable and cost-effective.
Global Standards Compliance:
•The project will follow UNEP guidelines and aims to obtain ISO 14001 and LEED certifications, aligning with global best practices in environmental management.
• Preserving Nature with Green Zones: Approximately 22% of the NSEZ area will be dedicated as a green zone, featuring greenery and lakes to ensure a balance between development and biodiversity.
Environmental Safeguards & Climate Actions
• Strict Environmental Guidelines: Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), biodiversity protection, and stringent industrial waste management protocols are in place.
• Modern Waste Management Infrastructure: Centralised waste treatment systems with advanced ETP/CETP facilities are being built.
• Rainwater Harvesting Systems: Dedicated channels and reservoirs are under construction to capture and reuse rainwater.
• Sustainable Architecture: Solar-powered Street lighting, green roofs, and naturally ventilated buildings are being integrated into the zone's urban design.
• Solar Energy Initiative: A 50 MW solar power project is in progress, with specific areas designated as Low Emission Zones and green buffer zones for ecological balance.
Progress Towards the SDGs
NSEZ is actively contributing to the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
• SDG 8 - Decent work and labour welfare
• SDG 9 - Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
• SDG 13 - Climate action through emission reduction
• SDG 17 - Global partnerships and sustainable collaboration
Driving Infrastructure Development
• China Harbour Engineering Company is leading industrial plot development, road construction, drainage systems, and the logistics hub.
• The Water Development Board is reinforcing river embankments and implementing flood prevention measures.
BEZA Executive Member Saleh Ahmed remarked: "We are committed to implementing nature-based solutions and placing the highest priority on environmental protection."
As it takes shape, NSEZ is emerging as a model for smart production zones in Bangladesh, setting a benchmark for high-tech, investment-driven, and environmentally responsible industrial development and experts believe that this well-planned, eco-friendly infrastructure positions NSEZ as a new frontier for Bangladesh's smart industrial branding on the global stage.
Mirsarai Economic Zone Ushers in Billions in Investment: A New Era for Industry, Employment, and Export
With Vision 2041 in sight and a national commitment to sustainable industrialisation, Bangladesh's National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirsarai, Chattogram, is rapidly emerging as a game-changing hub for investment, job creation, and exports. Spanning over 33,000 acres, this special zone is attracting both domestic and international investors in droves, transforming it into the country's largest and most strategically significant industrial development.
BEPZA Economic Zone: A Trusted Operator on 1,150 Acres
The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) has been allocated 1,150 acres within NSEZ. Drawing on 37 years of experience, BEPZA has already operationalised several factories in the zone. Experts believe BEPZA's presence is accelerating development and boosting investor confidence.
BGMEA Garment Village: $2 Billion Investment, 500,000 Jobs
BGMEA is establishing a dedicated garment park on 500 acres, aiming to relocate scattered factories from Dhaka to this planned industrial space. With a projected investment of $2 billion under BEZA's guidance, this initiative is expected to create around 500,000 jobs.
Bashundhara Industrial Park: Advanced Paper Mill and 10,000 Jobs
The Bashundhara Group is developing an industrial park over 500 acres in the Mirsarai/Feni section of NSEZ, investing nearly $500 million. This includes a state-of-the-art pulp, paper, and board mill. Construction of chemical, steel, and ready-mix plants is nearing completion, and 10,000 direct jobs are expected.
Ananta Group: Six New Factories, 25,000 Jobs
Renowned for its apparel exports, Ananta Group is building six factories on 250 acres with an investment of BDT 35 billion (3,500 crore). The project includes yarn and fabric production units and will create 25,000 jobs.
Kunming Iron & Steel Park: $2.13 Billion from China
Chinese state-owned Kunming Iron and Steel Holding Company signed an MoU with Yunnan Yongle Overseas Investment to establish a steel industrial park in Bangladesh with a massive $2.13 billion investment.
Other major land allocations include PHP Group: 500 acres and BSRM: 198 acres. oth companies have begun development work.
A Three-Phase Roadmap for Full Implementation
BEZA has structured NSEZ's development in three phases:
1. Phase 1 (0-5 years): Infrastructure over 17,313 acres in Mirsarai
2. Phase 2 (6-10 years): Expansion into 11,020 acres in Sonagazi
3. Phase 3 (11-20 years): Final development in Sitakunda
So far, 17,500 acres have been acquired.
Facilities already in progress:
• Bank branches, healthcare, and utilities
• Infrastructure work for BGMEA garment village
• Plans for 500-acre international master developer zone
Ultimate goal: 1.5 million jobs and 500+ industrial units across the full area.
15 Priority Sectors: Aiming for $15 Billion in Exports
Under BEZA and BIDA's joint strategy, 15 priority sectors have been identified:
• Electronics: Manufacturing semi-conductor, manufacturing and assemble of light and heavy electronics item.
• Pharmaceuticals: Clusters for API and generic drugs
• Agri-exports: Cold chains, processing, and organic logistics
• Garment Diversification: Light engineering and advanced textiles
National targets:
• 1.5 million jobs
• $15-20 billion in annual exports
• High-value, innovation-driven manufacturing
NSEZ's Global Parallels: Shenzhen, GIFT City & Dung Quat
NSEZ is now compared with world-leading zones:
• Shenzhen, China - A tech-driven export city, with rapid administrative services, pro-investment policies, and technology transfer models, which Mirsarai is looking to emulate.
• GIFT City, India - A model for modern financial and business ecosystems; NSEZ is similarly working to attract international businesses and fintech.
• Dung Quat, Vietnam - Known for productivity and a skilled workforce; BEZA is building a dedicated Skills Development Institute to follow suit.
International Recognition: 40 Countries Show Interest
Delegates from 4 0 countries, including China, India, South Korea, the Netherlands, and Australia, recently visited NSEZ. As part of a major international investment summit hosted by BEZA and BIDA, the visitors praised the investment climate and infrastructure, expressing optimism about Bangladesh's industrial future.
Mirsarai's Emerging Role in Global Connectivity
Strategically positioned along the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh's Mirsarai National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) is rapidly gaining significance as a critical node in the evolving architecture of regional and global connectivity.
As part of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), Mirsarai is viewed as a vital linkage point connecting South and Southeast Asia. Simultaneously, under China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Chattogram Port and adjacent NSEZ are being reimagined as key anchors for trade, logistics, and cross-border investment flows.
If realized, the long-proposed Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar (BCIM) Economic Corridor would place Mirsarai at its very heart-transforming it into a central transit and production hub in one of Asia's most dynamic subregions. Moreover, in the context of the evolving Indo-Pacific strategy, Mirsarai's geographic and geopolitical relevance offers a compelling value proposition for international investors seeking stable footholds in a contested but increasingly integrated Indo-Pacific landscape.
According to economic analysts, the Mirsarai NSEZ is not merely a domestic industrial zone-it is redrawing Bangladesh's economic geography. By transforming from a traditionally aid-dependent nation into a proactive player in regional supply chains and connectivity initiatives, Bangladesh is positioning itself as a serious contender in the global investment arena.
Strategic Partnerships Fueling Growth
Support from JICA (Japan), ADB, and UNCTAD is helping develop:
• Infrastructure
• Skills training
• Investment policy and promotion
Investment Environment Highlights:
• Fast-track approvals
• Transparent tax policies
• Liberal foreign ownership rules
Challenges Ahead: Labor, Bureaucracy & Local Concerns
Despite rapid progress, challenges remain:
• Land Acquisition Delays: Despite Phase 1 (17,313 acres) being announced as "near-complete," only 17,500 acres have been fully acquired across all three phases. Local land records show unresolved disputes in Sonagazi and Sitakunda.
• Slow Infrastructure Rollout: While BEZA touts "world-class utilities," but construction of the 2,000 MW power plant and central wastewater treatment system lags behind schedule. BEZA's 2025 target for full infrastructure readiness conflicts with contractor estimates, which suggest key utilities won't be operational until 2026-27. The 50 MW solar farm, initially due in 2024, as per Power Division it is now postponed to 2027
• Missing Marine Drive: The critical Mirsarai-Sitakunda Marine Drive, deemed essential for export efficiency, remains unfinished. Only about 30% of the road is paved. Current transport relies on congested NH-41, adding hours to port access
• Railway Link Delays: Integration with the Chattogram-Cox's Bazar rail line is stalled due to funding disputes.
• Labor shortage: Scarcity of skilled and unskilled workers
• Administrative inefficiencies: Decision-making delays, unclear policies. Officials compare NSEZ to Shenzhen, citing rapid approvals and tech-transfer potential. but Dr. Selim Raihan, Professor of Economics at the University of commented: "Shenzhen had decentralized decision-making and flexible labor laws. NSEZ still requires 10+ approvals for basic permits."
• Local reactions:
• Farmers express mixed feelings over compensation
• Residents demand better wages, housing, and employment access
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