Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) is now approaching for establishing economic zone in the country to facilitate investment in the country. In order to establish the economic zone, BEPZA has sought 1200 acres of land in Mirershorai of Chittagong from Bangladesh Economic Zone Authority (BEZA). BEZA, the government body to supervise the EZs, sources said that the process of awarding economic zone to the government organ BEPZA is under process. Assessment is going on and a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is likely to sign at the end of this month. Officials of BEPZA also visited the location in Mirershorai to get the clear idea of establishing economic zone there, it said. “BEPZA is keen to set economic zone at Mirershorai to attract more investment. They have sought 1000-1200 acres of land which is under process now”, BEZA Executive Chairman Paban Chowdhury told daily sun on Tuesday. Mentioning both the party’s interest, Paban Chowdhury said, “We are hopeful over awarding economic zone to BEPZA and at the same time they are enthusiastic to establish the economic zone”. BEPZA has huge experience in facilitating EPZs across the country, it has good technical support and they are financially capable to establish economic zone and attract huge foreign and local investment, he said. Praising their interest, he said process is going on to award them the land in Mirershorai and it will be a good effort in bringing foreign investment as it has a very wide network. BEZA sources said that they got more than 10,000 acres of land only in the Mirershorai where they can develop 20-25 economic zones. It has been planning to make the area as the hub of investment. Taking the opportunity, BEPZA is set to establish economic zone by putting their experience of establishing EPZ. The BEPZA is the official organ of the government to promote, attract and facilitate foreign investment in the EPZs. Currently there are eight EPZs across the country under the supervision of BEPZA. The total land of eight EPZs contained around 2300 acres of land.
