Finance Minister AMA Muhith said Thursday some 100 economic zones will be established across the country within next 15 years to raise export earnings by US$ 40 billion and create employment opportunities for 10 million people.
"The government has taken initiatives to establish economic zones in prospective regions with a view to encouraging industrialisation, generating employment opportunities, enhancing production and ensuring export promotion and diversification," the minister said in his budget speech.
Elaborating the reasons behind opting for establishing such a large number of economic zones, Mr Muhith said big investment initiatives proposed by Japan, South Korea, China and India cannot be realised due to scarcity of land.
In order to change this scenario, approval has been given to the establishment of 30 public and private economic zones in different parts of the country, he said, adding that of them, Sirajganj, Mongla, Mirsarai, Anwara and Srihatta economic zones received approval in the first phase and their implementation is progressing fast. Implementation of another 25 economic zones approved later has commenced. Mr Muhith also informed the parliament that two economic zones have been selected for Japanese and Chinese investors. "We are actively considering keeping another such zone earmarked for India. Besides, six economic zones are going to be established in the private sector."
Voicing establishment of economic zones as one of the priorities of his government, the minister said necessary steps will be taken to provide land, gas, electricity, and communication infrastructure facilities.Officials said the government has also approved special incentive packages for local and foreign investors to attract their investment in economic zones.
syful-islam@outlook.com
100 new economic zones within 15 years: Muhith
FE Report | Published: June 05, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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