Dhaka, Sept 9 (UNB) – BEPZA Economic Zone-2, established in Mirsharai of Chattogram by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), has officially entered the operational phase with its maiden export shipment.

With the launch of this economic zone, the total number of operational industrial zones under BEPZA has risen to 10, including eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and two Economic Zones.

Liz Tobacco Machinery Company Limited became the first enterprise in BEPZA Economic Zone-2 to obtain an export permit on September 3, 2026. Following the permit, the company exported tobacco machinery valued at $50,000 to Indonesia on September 8, marking the inaugural export from the zone.

The United Arab Emirates and Singapore-owned company signed a land lease agreement with BEPZA on 3 February 2025. Its total investment now stands at US$3.72 million, and it currently employs 29 officers, staff and workers.

Of the 18 enterprises that have been allotted industrial plots in BEPZA Economic Zone-2, Lee's Tobacco Machinery Company Ltd is the first to begin commercial operations.

Three more companies are expected to start production and export activities soon, while the remaining 14 enterprises are still under construction.

Commenting on the development, Md Whaheduzzaman, executive director of BEPZA Economic Zone-2, said the first export shipment to Indonesia opens up fresh possibilities for expanding trade between the two countries.

"The volume of exports from Bangladesh to Indonesia is comparatively low. In this context, the commencement of exports from BEPZA Economic Zone-2 to Indonesia is expected to contribute positively to expanding Bangladesh's export market and diversifying its export destinations," he said.

BEPZA Economic Zone was originally established on 1,138.55 acres of land in Mirsharai, Chattogram. To ensure smoother administrative and operational management, the large industrial zone was subsequently divided into two separate zones – BEPZA Economic Zone-1 and BEPZA Economic Zone-2 – both of which have already been officially declared as distinct economic zones by the government.