The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Anwara, Chittagong, is a significant Government-to-Government (G2G) initiative between Bangladesh and China, aimed at bolstering Bangladesh’s industrial growth and attracting substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) from China.
Location: Spanning 784 acres in Anwara Upazila, Chittagong, it is strategically located near the Chittagong seaport, airport, and the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel (Karnaphuli River Tunnel), making it an ideal hub for industrial and trade activities.
Investment Attraction: The primary goal is to create a favorable business environment for Chinese investors, encouraging them to set up manufacturing units in Bangladesh, particularly for goods that Bangladesh currently doesn’t produce. This is also influenced by global trade pattern shifts, such as US tariff policies prompting Chinese manufacturers to seek alternative production bases.
Targeted Industries: The zone is designed to host a diverse range of industries, including chemicals, automobile assembly, garments, electronics, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.
Economic Impact: It is projected to attract over $1 billion, potentially up to $1.5 billion, in foreign direct investment and create more than 200,000 job opportunities for Bangladeshis.
Infrastructure Development: The project includes extensive infrastructure, such as internal roads, a jetty, a central effluent treatment plant, and essential utility services (water, electricity, gas).
Progress and Current Status:
Renewed Momentum: After facing significant delays since its initial announcement in 2014, the project has gained considerable momentum, particularly under the current interim administration in Bangladesh (since August 2024), which is fast-tracking its implementation.
Developer Change: China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) was appointed as the new developer in July 2022, replacing China Harbour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC). Preparations for full-scale construction are underway.
Development Status: Around 60 acres of the designated land have already been developed and are ready for investors. The administrative building and two access roads are complete, and utility installations are progressing.
Timeline: The project is scheduled for completion by June 2029.
Investor Interest: There is a notable increase in interest from Chinese manufacturers, with many visits and planned investments, including a recent $100 million commitment from a Chinese textile firm.
Funding: The project is financed through a combination of Bangladesh government funds and Chinese preferential buyer’s credit.
Strategic Importance:
For Bangladesh, the CEIZ is crucial for diversifying its industrial base, boosting exports, and upgrading its technological capabilities. It leverages Bangladesh’s competitive advantages in global trade.
For China, the CEIZ enhances its access to the Bay of Bengal and provides a new maritime outlet for its southwestern regions, potentially offering an alternative to the Strait of Malacca for certain trade flows, thus improving energy security and trade resilience. It’s a key component of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening China’s presence and influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
The development also has implications for regional connectivity, as improved road and rail networks linked to Chittagong could connect to Northeast India and Myanmar, facilitating cross-border trade. https://www.facebook.com/jeff.mah.5/posts/pfbid0Q5HmBq3UfzBB9dM6hkkpGFpe73inGhLFAN8H2g8UWcXyKQGVQ4hhxgrvYn7wJWQtl?__cft__[0]=AZX3a29X4IMQUKxyAk3BNf0Hcm4O2kAVXf7r9k2sDtPoWTQqjxZs3J2CXvUO8K1BC-P3KGHFthllrcz-I71AHsZ-2rNdCHyS2V80dIJhP3uUpJ5OSTWOXdCy6EPoQQzim40Wg-ORtIzov_MKYIaoKSKK14GDk-9FrSHzFwZKpI9_pg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R