Mongla EZ to be readied in 3 years

The Mongla economic zone (EZ) will be readied for investors within next three years with necessary infrastructure and utility services.
To expedite the process, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) accorded pre-qualification licence Thursday to the local company Power Pac to develop infrastructure of the Mongla Economic Zone.  
The authority handed over the licence to the company for the zone having 205 acre area at a ceremony held Thursday at a city hotel.
Abul Kalam Azad, principal secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, was the chief guest at the programme, while executive chairman of BEZA Paban Chowdhury chaired the event.
The BEZA under the PMO has awarded the first ever PPP (public-private partnership) model Economic Zone pre-qualification licence to the Power PAC PPMKPPL JV, a concern of Sikder Group.
Suraya Begum, senior secretary to the PMO, Ron Haque Sikder, Managing Director of Power Pac Holding Ltd, Harunur Rashid, project Director of BEZA, SM Shawkat Ali, executive member of BEZA, among others, also spoke on the occasion.
Principle Secretary assured the authority of arranging power supply and other utility services in the EZs.
"Investors are looking for land. Proper campaigning can make them aware of the available land in EZs," he said.
Paban Chowdhury said a lucrative incentive package is being considered for the investors of the EZs.
"Investors of EZ will be able to enjoy higher benefit compared to that of the investors of export processing zone (EPZ)," he said.
Tax-benefit, bonded warehouse facility and other incentives would attract the investment in EZ, he added.
India also pledged to invest US$ 170 million for developing EZs, he said.
"We have also sought some Tk 7.0 billion to the PMO for developing EZs," he said.
"There is no alternative to developing EZ for attracting foreign direct investment and boosting export," Mr Chowdhury said. Coordinated effort between the inter-governmental agencies is needed for achieving the goal, he said.
A committee, led by the Principal Secretary, can be formed to frame an action plan, he said.
"The BEZA is working to ensure supply of power, water and other utility services in the zone," said project director Harunur Rashid.
Suraya Begum said the pressure on Chittagong port would be eased if the government can make Mongla EZ vibrant.
    doulot_akter@yahoo.com