A total of 42 industries owned by 15 foreign investors have already been set up at the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Chattogram. Besides, eight more industries are under construction, officials of KEPZ said.
The 42 factories are now exporting goods worth $ 400 million per year, they said.
KEPZ Corporation (BD) Ltd, a subsidiary of Young-One Corporation, is developing the world-class and environment-friendly green EPZ on the south bank of the Karnaphuli.
Talking with The Financial Express, Managing Director (MD) of KEPZ Lt Col (Retd) Md Shahjahan said the government allocated 2,492 acres of land to establish the KEPZ.
He further said the EPZ would be an eco-friendly and green zone as trees would be planted on 52 per cent of allocated land while the remaining 48 per cent would be used for setting up factories.
A total of 270,000 trees were already planted in the 52 per cent area so far, he disclosed. The area is already home to 137 species of animals and birds.
KEPZ was developing world-class infrastructure in the zone, he informed the FE. 'KEPZ hosts for ready-made standard factory buildings, industrial plots equipped with all required utilities for industrial operations including essential civic amenities." Construction of its IT zone was going on in full swing, he said. Besides, there are two specialized textile industries with man-made fiber technology in the zone, he said. The man-made fiber technology was attracting the buyers increasingly.
During the visit, the FE correspondent saw that Karnaphuli Shoe Industries Limited (KSI), another company of Young One Group, put 18 big factories into operation to produce shoes, garment, padding and accessories.
These factories created employment opportunities for over 16,000 people including 75 per cent women. Most of them are locals.
KSI has also two big workers' welfare centres with kitchen and canteens for the workers and staffs. Besides, recreation activities, medical and childcare facilities are also available there for workers.
The KEPZ authority constructed 12 dormitories to accommodate 5,500 female workers.
Setting up of the KEPZ was aimed at creating scope for developing industrial units involving foreign investment of over US$ 1.0 billion and creating employment opportunities for 100,000 people directly and another 200,000 indirectly.
The KEPZ is located on the south bank of the Karnaphuli opposite the Chittagong Shah Amanat International Airport and close to the country's major sea-port in Chattogram.
The zone is 20 kilometres away from the port city.
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