Anwara Economic Zone 2
Project to be placed before ECNEC meet tomorrow
The government has finally decided to give the nod to the Anwara Economic Zone 2 project, involving investments of Tk 420.36 crore, to develop a special economic zone (SEZ) for Chinese investors in Chittagong.
The project will be tabled before the meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on Tuesday.
The China Economic and Industrial Zone will attract investments from Chinese businessmen, who are looking for cheaper labour and a favourable investment environment, according to the detailed project plan (DPP).
The Bangladesh government has already allotted 774 acres at Anwara in Chittagong, and will import part of the gas required for the zone from Kunming, through Myanmar.
According to the DPP, the project will be developed as part of a government-to-government deal with China, which will create more than 1.5 lakh jobs in Anwara upazila.
Meanwhile, the government has signed a memorandum with China, and has also appointed the China Harbour and Engineering Company to develop the zone. The zone is 39km off the Chittagong port, 28km off Chittagong city, and 46km from Shah Amanat International Airport.
During her visit to Beijing in June 2014, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced the allotment of a separate economic and industrial zone in Chittagong for Chinese investors. The Economic Zones Act, 2010, will be of interest to the Chinese investors, for whom were also considering allocating a separate economic and industrial zone in Chittagong, she had said.
Earlier Chinese Ambassador Ma Mingqiang said this economic zone can boost Chinese foreign direct investment (FDI). This could mean a 50 per cent increase in FDI.
Chinese Private companies are investing everywhere, Ma explained. If they are confident enough and are not left alone, they will be coming in more numbers.
The foreign direct investment (FDI) by China in Bangladesh can witness a phenomenal boost with an economic zone in place for Chinese investors.
