Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority


The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority is an agency of the Government of Bangladesh and is administered under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister's Office. Its objective is to manage the various export processing zones in Bangladesh.

About

BEPZA currently oversees the operations of eight EPZs. A ninth zone is scheduled to open in the future. In 2015, it was reported that the government intended that in 15 years 100 new EPZs and special economic zones will be established. Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, ndc, psc is the current Executive Chairman of BEPZA.
The Government provides numerous incentives for investors for opening factories in EPZs. For example, new factories enjoy a 5-year tax holiday. Also, labour unions and other activities that are often viewed detrimental to productivity, are banned inside the EPZs. In order to stimulate rapid economic growth of the country, particularly through industrialization, the government has adopted an 'Open Door Policy' to attract foreign investment to Bangladesh. The BEPZA is the official organ of the government to promote, attract and facilitate foreign investment in the EPZs. Besides, BEPZA as the competent Authority performs inspection & supervision of the compliances of the enterprises related to social & environmental issues, safety & security at the workplace in order to maintain harmonious labour-management & industrial relations in EPZs. The primary objective of an EPZ is to provide special areas where potential investors would find a congenial investment climate free from cumbersome procedures. Bangladesh's export revenue in FY23 is $55.55 billion, the highest amount ever.

Export processing zones

Below is the list of export processing zones run by BEPZA:
Recently Government has approved 37 new Economic zones, which consists governmental, non-governmental and Specialized Economic zone. Bangladesh government also announced 50pc tax relief in Hi-Tech parks, Economic Zones.
  • Lakshmipur Special Economic Zone – LSEZ
  • Patuakhali Economic Zone –
  • Sirajgong Economic Zone
  • Bagerhat Economic Zone
  • Mirsarai Economic Zone, Chittagong
  • Anowara Economic Zone, Chittagong
  • Srihotto Economic Zone, Maulavibazar
  • Sripur Economic Zone, Gazipur
  • Sabrang Special Economic Zone
  • Agailjhara Economic Zone, Barisal
  • Anowara Economic Zone-2, Chittagong named as Canadian EPZ
  • Jamalpur Economic Zone
  • Gaibandha Export Processing Zone
  • Rangpur Export Processing Zone
  • Narayangonj Economic Zone
  • Narayangonj Economic Zone-2
  • Ashuganj Economic Zone
  • Kushtia Economic Zone
  • Panchagar Economic Zone
  • Nilphamari Economic Zone
  • Narshingdi Economic Zone
  • Manikganj Economic Zone
  • Dohar Economic Zone, Dhaka
  • Habiganj Economic Zone
  • Shariatpur Economic Zone
  • Jaliardip Economic Zone, Teknaf-Cox's Bazar
  • Natore Economic Zone
  • Maheskhali Economic Zone-1
  • Maheskhali Economic Zone-2
  • Maheskhali Economic Zone-3
  • Cox'sbazar Free trade Zone
  • Shariatpur Economic Zone-2

    Non-government economic zone

Government also encouraged building of private economic zone. Some are under construction and some are operational.
  • Meghna Industrial Economic Zone
  • Meghna Economic Zone
  • Fomcom non-governmental Economic Zone
  • A.K. Khan non-governmental Economic Zone
  • Abdul Monem Economic Zone
  • Comilla Economic Zone
  • Garments industrial park
  • Sonargaon Economic Zone
  • PowerPac Economic Zone

    Science and technology based economic zone

Bangladesh government has been establishing science and technology-based economic zone to attract foreign FDI. Some projects like Kaliakoir high tech park helped by the World Bank and DFID.
  • Janata tower Software Park
  • Jessore Software Technology Park
  • Kaliakoir high tech park
  • Keranigonj Special IT Economic Zone, Dhaka
  • Dhaka high tech park
  • Khulna high tech park
  • Rajhshahi high tech park
  • Sylhet Electronic City
  • Sylhet high tech park
  • Chittagong high tech park
  • CUET IT business incubator centre, Chittagong
  • Rangpur high tech park
  • Barisal high tech park
  • Mohakhali IT Village