Move to build economic zones thru\\\' G2G initiative

The government has moved to develop economic zones through government to government arrangement, an official said.
To make this happen, the official said, it will require amending the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Act. A recent meeting held at the Prime Minister's Office has discussed the issue and decided to bring legal changes.
A draft amendment of the BEZA Act-2010 has been sent to the PMO. The PMO will hold an inter-ministerial meeting in this connection soon.  
A high government official told The Financial Express (FE) Wednesday that presently there is no provision in the BEZA Act-2010 to develop EZs on the government to government (G2G) deals. So, the government has included some sections or sub sections to the Act for developing the proposed industrial hub.
The section may be termed "EZs' development through G2G initiatives." For this reason, sections 4, 8, 19 and other relevant sections/clauses of the BEZA Act-2010 have been included by amending the Act, he said.
An official of the BEZA said the government is trying hard to develop the EZs to help boost the country's economic growth and for this the PMO, BEZA, different ministries and other authorities concerned will meet to finalise the amendment to the important and relevant sections of the Act especially G2G initiative for developing EZs as early as possible.
He, however, said there is no mention of G2G deal in the present BEZA act for developing the proposed EZs.
The sections, sub-sections and other relevant sections are being amended due mainly to include G2G provision in the law.
Some countries in the world have developed EZ/special economic zone under G2G initiative. The government hopes that China, Japan and other developed countries may invest in the proposed EZs as they are the development partners of the country, an official of the PMO said.
Under the Economic Zones Act 2010, the government established the BEZA to regulate and oversee the new zones. BEZA started working in 2012 to establish economic zones in different areas of the country, which can help attract foreign investment.
The sites selected are: Mirsarai in Chittagong, Gohira in Anowara of Chittagong, Sirajganj, Sherpur in Moulvibazar and Mongla seaport area in Bagerhat.

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