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The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) is set to formally begin allocating 60 industrial plots to investors at the under-construction Patuakhali Export Processing Zone (EPZ).
BEPZA has prepared the 60 plots as part of 306 industrial plots being developed at the EPZ, which is being established on 410.78 acres of land in Auliapur Union of Patuakhali Sadar upazila.
According to project targets, the Patuakhali EPZ is expected to attract around $1.53 billion in foreign direct investment and generate annual exports of approximately $1.836 billion at full production.
The project is also projected to create direct employment for around 100,000 people and indirect employment for another 200,000.
An official said BEPZA is simultaneously advancing internal infrastructure development and the plot allocation process so investors can establish factories and begin commercial operations without unnecessary delays.
The Tk 1,442.78-crore project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on August 29, 2023.
The implementation period, initially scheduled from July 2023 to June 2026, is being extended by two years to June 2028.
Land possession and handover between the Patuakhali district administration and BEPZA were completed on April 1, 2024.
Infrastructure development is progressing, with land development and improvement of a 4.40-kilometre canal already completed. Construction of roads, drains, footpaths, culverts, office buildings, standard factory buildings, residential buildings, boundary walls and water distribution networks is underway.
Work is also progressing on an 11-kV high-tension line and a 33/11-kV GIS substation. Around 130 of the 154 houses planned for the rehabilitation area are nearing completion.
A primary school, mosque, playground, cemetery and footpaths in the rehabilitation area are also nearing completion.
The project includes four six-storey standard factory buildings, three 10-storey residential buildings and three office buildings, along with a substation, helipad, Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) network and rainwater conservation reservoirs.
To promote an environmentally friendly industrial zone, around 700 fruit-bearing trees of different varieties have already been planted inside the EPZ.
The availability of ready industrial plots has already attracted interest from foreign investors. Investment delegations from Malaysia and China recently visited the Patuakhali EPZ and expressed interest in setting up industries there.
Another Chinese delegation has also shown interest, while BEPZA is maintaining communication with potential investors.
The Patuakhali EPZ is expected to emerge as a new industrial hub in the southern region, supporting investment, export growth and large-scale employment generation.
