Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday (May 30, 2023) called for more Swedish investment in various sectors of Bangladesh, particularly in ICT and Economic Zones, and reap the benefits. The Prime Minister made the call when a Swedish Delegation led by CEO and President of world-renowned clothing company H&M, Helena Helmersson, called on her at her official residence Ganabhaban. Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg Von Linde and Chief Financial Officer of H&M Adam Karlsson were also in the delegation. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim briefed the reporters. Read more: Saudi Arabia wants to make large-scale investment in Bangladesh: Saudi ministers tell PM Hasina Sheikh Hasina said that Bangladesh has its own economic policy and targeted plan on poverty reduction, food security, healthcare and on creating employment opportunities. She mentioned that the government wants to expand the export basket to further strengthen the economy of the country. During the meeting, Helena Helmersson mentioned that Sweden has had special relations with Bangladesh for the last three decades and said, they want to carry forward the business with Bangladesh. The CEO and President of H&M highly appreciated the socio-economic development of Bangladesh and lauded the government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for successfully tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in the country. Read more: More cooperation may attract more US investment in diversified segments, hopes AmCham President In response, the Prime Minister also appreciated the Swedish Company as they did not cancel their orders during the pandemic. As Helena Helmersson pointed out the climate change issue describing it as very important, Sheikh Hasina said, her government is carrying out mitigation programmes on its own fund. In this regard, the Prime Minister noted that her government is aware about climate change and is working on this issue. Sheikh Hasina also highlighted her government’s achievements in women empowerment and gender equality in the country. Read more: Bangladesh has an amazing growth trajectory amid investment opportunities: German Diplomat Prime Minister’s Adviser on Private Industry and Investment Salman F Rahman and Prime Minister’s Principal Secretary Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has invited Bhutan to build an economic zone in Bangladesh for mutual benefits of the two neighbouring countries. “We’re establishing economic zones in Bangladesh. You can build an economic zone in our country which will be known as Bhutan Economic Zone,” she said. The premier made the offer when Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema met her on Saturday at the Claridge Hotel where she is staying during her UK visit. Hasina and her younger sister Sheikh Rehana received the Bhutanese king and the queen on their arrival at the hotel. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen briefed the reporters after the  meeting that lasted 50 minutes. Hasina informed the Bhutanese king that Bangladesh has already given economic zones to India, Japan and South Korea. “If you want, we can give you an economic zone in Kurigram,” she said. Hasina made the offer as the Bhutanese king said he wanted to build an administrative economic zone in his country keeping the environment unharmed.     The PM said that Bangladesh has been developing communication with neighbours in every way, including railways. Read more: Bangladesh's role in Bhutan’s socio-economic dev immense: Envoy “Bangladesh is a connectivity hub. Bhutan can use Bangladesh’s two ports and the Syedpur International Airport as we make those open for this purpose,” she said. The Bhutanese royals highly praised the economic advancement of Bangladesh under the dynamic leadership of Hasina, said Momen. The king expressed his desire to get his Himalayan nation's direct transit through Bangladesh and another one through India. The Bangladesh prime minister welcomed the Bhutanese eagerness, saying, “If necessary, we will talk to India over the matter.” The Bhutanese monarch said his country’s prime minister and foreign minister have a special attachment with Bangladesh as both of them studied in Bangladesh. He said both Bhutanese leaders have wanted to visit Bangladesh privately. Welcoming it, Hasina said, “My door is open for you people.” They discussed various family matters as the Bhutanese king and the queen consider the prime minister as their maternal aunt,  Momen said. PM’s Private Industry and Investment Adviser Salman Fazlur Rahman, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam, PM’s Principal Secretary Md Tofazzel Hossain Miah, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, PM’s Speechwriter M Nazrul Islam and Bangladesh High Commissioner to the UK Saida  Muna Tasneem were present at the meeting. Read more: Bangladesh, Bhutan sign agreement on movement of traffic in transit

Government-sponsored 100 economic zones in Bangladesh are attracting more Turkish investment to come with their new investments, said outgoing Turkish ambassador Mustafa Osman Turan on Tuesday. He came up with the remark while calling on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina at her office in the morning on Tuesday. PM’s speech writer M Nazrul Islam briefed the reporters after the meeting. He said that the Turkish Ambassador mentioned that already two companies of his country invested $850 million this year in the economic zones. “The unprecedented infrastructural development of Bangladesh, especially the establishment of 100 economic zones, is attracting Turkish investors in Bangladesh,” the envoy was quoted as saying by Nazrul. The Prime Minister requested the outgoing ambassador to encourage more Turkish investment in Bangladesh to further cement the excellent bilateral relations between the two friendly countries.  “We have historical and cultural ties,” she said.  She also said that both countries could establish cooperation in the defence sector apart from economic and social cooperation.  She emphasises on holding the Joint Economic Commission meeting in Bangladesh to hold dialogue about the enhancement of business and trade between the two countries.   The last Commission meeting was held in Istanbul (Turkey) in 2019.  The Turkish envoy mentioned that his country is interested to cooperate in the defence sector.  The Prime Minister requested Turkey to put pressure on Myanmar for taking back Rohingya as more than 1 million Rohingya have become a serious burden for Bangladesh. In reply, the ambassador assured the PM of his country’s continuous support. Ambassador at Large M Ziauddin and Principal Secretary M Tofazzel Hossain Miah were present during the meeting. Hasina said Bangladesh wants more Turkish cooperation including in investment and business areas to face the challenges ahead as the country is in the process of graduating from the LDC status in 2026. The envoy sought a suitable place in Bangladesh for establishing a super specialised hospital. In response, the Prime Minister said it could be in Purbachal or somewhere near the Padma Bridge to ensure improved health care services for the people of the country’s southern region. The Turkish Ambassador highly praised the idea of the Prime Minister on establishing a Smart Bangladesh. He said that Turkey will extend its cooperation in this regard, and the idea will also be subscribed in Turkey.  He further said that there are more areas like tourism and education where cooperation between Bangladesh and Turkey could be further expanded. Turan hoped that Hasina will form the government again after being re-elected in the next general election.          

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (December 06, 2022) officially opened Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (widely known as the “Japanese Economic Zone”) at Araihazar in Narayanganj. She joined the event virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka. According to Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), the Japanese Economic Zone would draw USD 1.5 billion investment and create more than one lakh jobs. Forty foreign companies, including 30 Japanese, have expressed interest to invest there, BEZA said. Noting that an excellent investment climate prevails in Bangladesh, PM Hasina said, “I think Bangladesh is the most attractive destination for investment. We are offering the highest (investment) opportunities and facilities.” Read: Women entrepreneurs can avail special opportunities in economic zones: PM She also said that women entrepreneurs can avail special opportunities at the country’s economic zones. “If women entrepreneurs come forward, we will give them special opportunities. Separate plots will be provided for them.” Sheikh Hasina said her government has been working for the overall development of the nation through planned industrialization, while protecting arable land and the environment. The PM said foreign entrepreneurs are also expressing interest to make investments in the country. “In terms of geographic location, Bangladesh is perfectly positioned to be a bridge between the East and the West,” she said. Read: Stop arms race, use resources for health, education: PM to global leaders Sheikh Hasina said her government has been strengthening connectivity with South Asia and Southeast Asia – two most densely populated regions with a large market of 300 crore people. Besides, the government has increased the purchasing power of people – a market of 17 crore people, she added. The PM said the government is also offering special facilities for young entrepreneurs so that they can make investments in the economic zones. She opened the commercial operation of the Japanese Economic Zone, being developed on 1000 acres of land under the joint venture of Bangladesh and Japan. Executive Chairman of BEZA, Shaikh Yusuf Harun, in his welcome speech, said the inauguration of Bangladesh Special Economic Zone would open a new era for attracting Japanese and other foreign investments to Bangladesh. Read: Bangladesh a role model for women's participation in UN peacekeeping: PM Hasina He said Singer, a renowned company, has already started the construction of its factory in the economic zone. Harun also said two Japanese companies were going to sign agreements after the opening ceremony to set up their factories in the economic zone. Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki and President of Sumitomo Corporation Masayuki Hyodo also spoke on the occasion. BEZA and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation are jointly working to develop the economic zone. The process of the joint venture started with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to Japan in 2014. Read: Karnaphuli Tunnel first such project in South Asia: PM Hasina

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday proposed establishment of a D-8 Economic Zone in Bangladesh for investment by the member countries aimed at accelerating their collective economic growth. The offer came in five-point proposals she made in her speech at the of the 20th D-8 Council of Ministers meeting at Dhaka’s Hotel InterContinental, joining it through video conferencing from her official residence Ganobhaban. The prime minister said Bangladesh is ready to provide space at its Special Economic Zones for investment of the member states. “If it begins the process now, within the next decade, it will have a robust D-8 Economic Zone,” she said.D-8, also known as Developing-8, is an organization for development cooperation among Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan and Turkiye. Established in 1997, the objectives of the forum are to improve member states’ position in the global economy, diversify and create new opportunities in trade relations, enhance participation in decision-making at international level and improve standards of living. PM Hasina said time has come for the 25-year-old forum to expand its focus also on implementation of Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA), increased trade, ICT, diversification of agriculture for attaining food security and finding sources of alternative energy. Read: PM Hasina urges global solidarity to face looming humanitarian crisis caused by war

Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA) has received four companies’ investment of USD $ 50 million to set up industries at BEPZA Economic Zone-Bangabadhu Sheik Mujib Shipla Nagar at Mirsharai in Chattogram. BEPZA and four companies (1 local and 3 foreign) signed land lease agreements in this regard at BEPZA BEPZA Complex in the capital on Saturday. The companies will invest $ 50 million in garments, garments accessories, camping equipment and shoe accessories industries which will create employment opportunities for 23,453 Bangladeshi nationals. Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Ahmad Kaikaus was present in the signing ceremony as the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion Kaikaus said BEPZA has a unique magnetic power to attract investment which ultimately contributes to the economic development of the country. BEPZA is not only helping to integrate with the global economy but also upgrading the life standards of the people, he added. He treated agreement signing as the beginning of a new era and hoped that more giant industries would come in the BEPZA Economic Zone. BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, said BEPZA is now one of the most successful organizations in the country considering its experience, capabilities, expertise and professional excellence achieved during the journey of 40 years in serving the country's export-oriented industries. Investors’ confidence has made BEPZA a brand in the global arena, he added. Referring to the land lease agreement signing of BEPZA Economic Zone as a milestone in the growing success of BEPZA, he said that BEPZA will be successful in operating the Economic Zone. Also read: Electric car plant in Mirsarai; huge investment planned Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina made a significant plan to establish 100 Economic Zones in the country aiming to take the country's industrial sector to the next level in light of the dream of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu, BEPZA Chairman said. On behalf of BEPZA, Member (Investment Promotion) Ali Reza Mazid and Director of Univogue Garments Company Limited Jagath Priyantha, Chairman of Fengqun Composite Material Co. (BD) Ltd. HeZaiqun, Representative of Campex (BD) Limited Shahadat Musharraf Khan & Managing Director of TexTrim Labels (BD) Limited Abul kalam Sikder signed the agreements on behalf of their respective organizations. The process of establishing industries in BEPZA Economic Zone at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar starts officially by signing these agreements. Shaikh Yusuf Harun, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), S M Khan, President of Bangladesh EPZs Investors' Association (BEPZIA), BEPZA Member (Engineering) Mohammad Faruque Alam, Member (Finance) Nafisa Banu, Executive Director (Administration) Md. Zakir Hossain Chowdhury, Executive Director (Public Relations) Nazma Binte Alamgir, Executive Director (Investment Promotion) Md. Tanvir Hossain,  Executive Director (Enterprise Services) Md. Khorshid Alam, Project Director of BEPZA EZ Md. Hafizur Rahman and Executive Director (Security) Lt Col ASM Quamruzzaman, PBGM along with other senior officials of BEPZA, PMO and the investors of EPZs, among others, were present at the function. Among the signatories, the Sri Lankan industry M/s Univogue Garments Company Limited will set up a garment industry with an investment of $ 36.49 million. The company will produce 32.14 million pieces of woven bottom and woven jacket annually where 17,896 Bangladeshi nationals will get employment opportunities. M/s Fengqun Composite Material Co., (BD) Ltd., a fully foreign owned Chinese company will set up a shoe accessories industry with an investment of US$ 2.22 million. The company will annually produce 35,000 tons of shoe accessories (foam, foam PU insole, lamination goods, footwear items, etc.) and packaging items (cartoon, paperboard box, inner box, chipboard packaging, etc. The company will create employment opportunities for 360 Bangladeshi nationals. M/s. Campex (BD) Limited, a USA-owned enterprise will set up a tent, tent accessories and outdoor garment manufacturing industry with an investment of US$ 10 million were 5,000 Bangladeshi nationals will get employment opportunities. The company will produce 5 million pieces of tents, backpacks, packing bags, movie screens, projectors, screen walls, lockers, sunscreens, balcony screens, seat covers, camping furniture, raincoats, jackets, etc. annually. Bangladeshi company M/s. TexTrim Labels (BD) Limited will set up a garment accessories and paper converting industry with an investment of US$ 1.27 million which will create employment opportunities for 197 Bangladeshi nationals. The company will annually produce 11,717 tons of thermal sticker label, plotter marking paper, care label, master cartoon box, screen print, heat transfer and transfer label, tag, etc. Also read: Mirsarai Economic Zone to create 3 million jobs: LGRD Minister

The Japanese economic zone in Narayanganj's Araihazar will go into production in 2023, Ito Naoki, the country's ambassador to Bangladesh, said Thursday. The envoy announced the plan while paying a courtesy call on FBCCI President Md Jashim Uddin in the afternoon. "The interest of Japanese companies is growing, especially around the Araihazar economic zone. There is an opportunity to further develop the economy of Bangladesh by taking advantage," he said, calling for making the investment climate friendlier. Also read: Special economic zones changing Bangladesh's industrial landscape: BEZA "Restriction on overseas remittance from branches, limitation in loans for working capital, restriction on royalty remittance, overdue payment, delay of letter of credit (LC), collection of additional income taxes and VAT, renewal of bond licence, the wage gap between inside and outside Export Processing Zone (EPZ), are creating barriers to investments," he said. Jasim Uddin assured the envoy that the FBCCI will work sincerely with the government to solve these problems. "More than a hundred Japanese companies have been doing business in Bangladesh for many years. Also, Japan is one of the major partners of Bangladesh in development projects," he added. "With the country's economic development, the lifestyle of Bangladesh's people has been upgraded. So, the size of the domestic market has also increased." Also read: Bangladesh a regional leader, economic force in S Asia: US "The popularity of Japanese products in this country is also relatively high. Japanese companies investing in Bangladesh are more likely to be profitable," the FBCCI president said.

Japan eyes three special economic zones (SEZs), including the one at Araihajar, Narayanjanj, to give a big boost to Japanese investment in Bangladesh but things depend on the success of the first one, says Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Naoki Ito. “This (Araihajar EZ) should provide the best possible environment and the best possible incentives for the investors,” he said, adding that a special economic zone is a very important key to invite an increasing number of Japanese companies to invest in Bangladesh.   Ambassador Ito said he has been advocating that Araihajar should be the best possible economic zone in Asia, beating its rivals in countries like Vietnam, Myanmar and the Philippines.  The envoy said they will look into opportunities at Mirsarai under Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar, being developed on a contiguous land of 30,000 acres, and a possible economic zone in Maheshkhali-Matarbari area if Araihajar becomes successful. He shared the plans on the three potential economic zones for the Japanese investors in Bangladesh while responding to questions at a virtual dialogue titled “Bangladesh-Japan Relations: Prognosis for the Future” where he delivered the keynote speech.   Cosmos Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Cosmos Group, hosted the dialogue as part of its ongoing Ambassador’s Lecture Series.   The opening remarks were delivered by the Cosmos Foundation Chairman Enayetullah Khan. The session was chaired by Dr Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, renowned scholar-diplomat and former Advisor on Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Caretaker Government. Md Abul Kalam Azad, Special Envoy, Climate Vulnerable Forum; Hayakawa Yuho, Chief Representative, JICA Bangladesh Office; Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, former Governor, Bangladesh Bank; Prof Masaaki Ohashi, Professor, University of the Sacred Heart, Tokyo; Manzurul Huq, Columnist, writer and academic; Prof Takahara Akio, Dean, Graduate School of Public Policy, the University of Tokyo and Ambassador (Retd) Tariq A Karim, Honorary Advisor Emeritus, Cosmos Foundation comprised the panel of discussants. Read: Ambassador Ito sees 5 challenges ahead to elevate Dhaka-Tokyo ties Ambassador Ito said the Economic Zone at Araihajar will be ready for its operation by the end of the next year.

Bangladesh Bank (BB) further relaxed outward remittance rules for foreigners working in the country’s economic zones (EZs), export processing zones (EPZs) and hi-tech parks (HTPs).

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) on Monday signed agreements with four companies, including two Chinese ones to invest in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar.