China Breaks Ground on Chattogram Economic Zone to Boost Bangladesh Industrial Growth

DHAKA, July 28, 2026 — China and Bangladesh have taken a significant step toward deepening economic cooperation with the groundbreaking of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram, a flagship investment project expected to enhance Bangladesh’s industrial capacity, strengthen supply chains, boost exports, and create thousands of employment opportunities.

Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday during his visit to Chattogram, where he also met representatives of Chinese enterprises planning to establish operations in the economic zone.

The event brought together more than 300 participants, including Finance and Planning Minister Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, local officials, business leaders, representatives of Chinese companies, residents, and members of the media.

Addressing the ceremony, Ambassador Yao described the launch of the CEIZ as a milestone in implementing the outcomes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China. He said the economic zone would play a crucial role in upgrading Bangladesh’s industrial and supply chains, expanding export-oriented manufacturing, and generating quality employment for local communities.

The Chinese envoy reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh to accelerate the development of the industrial zone, attract more high-quality Chinese enterprises, and transform the project into a model of high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

"The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone represents a new chapter in practical economic cooperation between our two countries and will contribute to Bangladesh's long-term industrial development," Ambassador Yao said.

Bangladeshi government representatives welcomed the project, describing it as one of the country's flagship initiatives for attracting foreign direct investment and accelerating industrialization.

Officials expressed confidence that the CEIZ would strengthen bilateral economic ties, facilitate technology transfer, create employment opportunities, and help address Bangladesh's industrial development challenges through expanded investment and manufacturing cooperation.

The project is expected to become a major destination for Chinese manufacturers seeking to invest in Bangladesh, further reinforcing the growing strategic economic partnership between Dhaka and Beijing.

The groundbreaking ceremony underscores the expanding scope of Bangladesh-China cooperation in trade, investment, infrastructure, and industrial development, with both countries emphasizing practical collaboration for sustainable economic growth.