The Chinese Economic Zone’s 18-Month Test

On 27 July 2026, construction formally began on the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chattogram. First agreed in 2014, the project had remained under consideration without reaching construction. It moved into active development little more than four months after being identified as a priority in the joint 180-day plan announced by the country’s investment promotion agencies in mid-March. China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), the developer, is working to ensure that the first factory becomes operational within 18 months. This provides CEIZ with a clear and immediate measure of progress: how quickly land, infrastructure, approvals and investor commitments can be converted into industrial production. The project gained renewed momentum through a series of milestones in June 2026. The government approved its supporting infrastructure project and the principal development and land-lease agreements. The agreement with CRBC was subsequently exchanged during Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s official visit to China.

The visit also placed CEIZ within a broader economic partnership. In the Joint Communiqué issued on 26 June China committed to strengthening cooperation with Bangladesh in trade, e-commerce, investment, and industrial and supply chains, with the aim of enhancing Bangladesh’s export capacity. Prime Minister Rahman invited Chinese companies moving into advanced manufacturing and higher-value activities to extend their value chains into Bangladesh.

CEIZ will provide a dedicated platform for that investment. More than 30 Chinese companies have already committed approximately USD 500 million to the site. The 800-acre zone is ultimately expected to attract around USD 1.3 billion and create more than 100,000 jobs.

A BDT 41.89 billion supporting project will provide roads, a multipurpose jetty, electricity, gas, water, effluent treatment and waste-management facilities. Its proximity to Chattogram Port, the Karnaphuli Tunnel and Shah Amanat International Airport further strengthens its position as a manufacturing and logistics base.

The projections establish CEIZ’s potential. The first operating factory will provide the earliest evidence of delivery.

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