BEPZA signs investment deals with 36 firms, exports rise 2.22pc

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) signed investment agreements with 36 enterprises in fiscal year 2025-26, while exports from its zones rose 2.22 per cent year-on-year to US$8.41 billion.
BEPZA attracts around $3 million in investment per acre of land, generating an annual return of Tk 13.82 crore per acre through the efficient use of limited industrial land.
The figures were disclosed at a ‘Meet the Investors’ event organised by BEPZA in Chattogram on Sunday, attended by more than 100 local and foreign investors from the Chattogram, Karnaphuli and Cumilla export processing zones (EPZs) and BEPZA Economic Zones, according to a press release.
Speaking at the event, BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain said the authority was committed to strengthening partnerships with investors, addressing their concerns and making the investment climate more competitive and business-friendly.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by global trade uncertainties, energy market disruptions, supply chain constraints and rising business costs. He also praised investors for maintaining their resilience despite power supply and infrastructure challenges.
The executive chairman highlighted the contribution of EPZ workers to producing a wide range of export goods, including garments, footwear, jewellery, spectacles, bags, safety equipment and bridal wear for international markets.
He described the designation of BEPZA Economic Zone-1, BEPZA Economic Zone-2, Jashore EPZ and Patuakhali EPZ as full-fledged zones as another milestone and urged investors to expand their operations in the new zones in collaboration with their supply-chain partners.
BEPZA Member (Investment Promotion) Md Tanvir Hossain said the authority was making a significant contribution to the national economy through the efficient use of limited land in its operational zones.
He highlighted its achievements in attracting investment, boosting exports, generating employment, facilitating technology transfer and creating a more investor-friendly business environment.
BEPZA officials also outlined initiatives to improve workers’ welfare, strengthen employer-worker relations, reform labour regulations and expand digital services for investors.
Additional Executive Director (Enterprise Services and Industrial Relations) Md Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan highlighted initiatives on labour law reform, workers’ welfare and implementation of the Employment Injury Scheme (EIS).
The authority has introduced 45 online services and operates a 24-hour helpline at 16128 to facilitate investor services and address concerns.
An open discussion between BEPZA officials and investors focused on business expansion, operational challenges, available services and ways to improve the investment climate. Participants also exchanged views on the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019, with BEPZA reaffirming its commitment to protecting the interests of both investors and workers in line with international labour standards.
Established in 1980, BEPZA oversees eight EPZs and two economic zones, attracting investment from 38 countries. Total investment in these zones stands at around $7.50 billion, while cumulative exports have reached approximately $130 billion.
BEPZA’s zones account for about 20 per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports, while the authority accounts for 19.17 per cent of the country’s total foreign direct investment (FDI).