Economic zones create 50,000 jobs so far
FE REPORT | Wednesday, 11 January 2023
The economic zones (EZs) across the country have already created 50,000 jobs and will create more in near future as new industrial units are set to go into operations there, said Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) on Tuesday.
"Around 50,000 people have so far been employed in the economic zones," said BEZA Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun.
Six more companies are likely to begin commercial operations at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar within the next six months, he added.
He came up with the disclosures at an agreement signing ceremony between privately-run Bay Economic Zone and Taiwan-based apparel maker Makalot (BD) Ltd at the BEZA headquarters in the city's Agargaon.
Managing Director of the Bay Group Ziaur Rahman and Chairman of the Makalot (BD) Ltd Chou Hsin-Peng inked the agreement on behalf of their respective sides.
Under the business agreement, the Makalot is preparing to invest $17 million to establish an industrial unit at the Bay EZ, creating job opportunities for nearly 1,500 people.
It will build a six-storey factory building to manufacture apparel items, including active sportswear, sleepwear, leisure and outdoor outfits.
Welcoming the Taiwanese investment in the EZ, Mr Harun said BEZA has been able to create an investment-friendly environment in Bangladesh.
He also said that the private EZs are playing a crucial supporting role for the BEZA.
He requested the investors to begin their activities in the EZs at the earliest possible time.
Chou Hsin-Peng said Bangladesh has ensured an investment-friendly atmosphere, drawing in more and more foreign investments.
Ziaur Rahman said the investor will begin the factory construction and commercial operations as soon as possible.