Delayed CEIZ project in Ctg back on track

CHATTOGRAM, Feb 16: The long-delayed China Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ), first announced in 2016, is finally moving forward in Anwara upazila of the port city as Bangladesh and China seek to deepen economic ties amid shifting global trade patterns.
Authorities say development work at the 784-acre site has been progressing, with initial infrastructure now in place and investor engagement underway. About 60 acres have already been developed and are ready for potential investors, while utility connections are gradually being installed.
However, the project site recently faced a security concern. Some goods were allegedly looted by armed miscreants on February 6, according to officials. Although no formal case has been filed, the Industrial Police have begun an inquiry.
"Works of CEIZ are ongoing now. Some miscreants allegedly looted goods from there. We are investigating the matter," Investigating Officer Inspector Golam Nobi told The Financial Express.
Project sources said the Chattogram Water Supply and Sewerage Authority has installed pipelines for limited water supply, while Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited has set up a nearby gas station. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has also completed the administrative building and two access roads inside the CEIZ.
BEZA officials expect around 200 Chinese investors to visit the site soon following preliminary stakeholder visits. The zone is projected to attract over $1 billion in foreign direct investment in sectors including apparel, automotive manufacturing, electronics and logistics.
The project has faced repeated delays since its inception in 2016. In 2022, BEZA signed a memorandum of understanding with China's Ministry of Commerce. The government had allocated Tk 4.2 billion for the first phase, partly financed through Chinese loans.
China Harbour Engineering Company Limited was initially appointed as the zone's developer but its contract was terminated in April 2022 due to slow progress and unresolved lease and development issues.
China Road and Bridge Corporation was selected as the new developer in July the same year, and preparations for full-scale construction are now underway.
Officials estimate the CEIZ could eventually draw around $1.5 billion in investment and generate more than 200,000 jobs. A special purpose company will be formed to manage operations.
To improve connectivity, the Roads and Highways Department plans to invite tenders for a new road linking the zone to the Korean Export Processing Zone via the Karnaphuli tunnel. A detailed project proposal was submitted to the government last year for approval.

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