He said this while speaking as a special guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony of CEIZ in Anwara on Monday (July 27).
Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury was the chief guest at the event. The meeting was chaired by Ashik Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). Land and Hill Tracts Minister of State Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin spoke as a special guest.
The Home Minister said that this project, implemented under the joint initiative of Bangladesh and China and under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), will play a vital role in the country's long-term economic growth, industrialization and employment.
He informed that this industrial area, covering an area of about 776 acres (314.39 hectares), will create direct employment opportunities for more than 36,000 people. Apart from readymade garments and textiles, plans are in place to establish bio-pharmaceuticals, food processing, beverages and leather industries, which will further diversify the country's export sector.
Mentioning that the geographical location of the project is also very suitable for investment, he said it is located about 700 meters from the Karnaphuli Tunnel, 6 kilometers from Shah Amanat International Airport and 12 kilometers from Chattogram Sea Port. Due to direct connection with the N-1 national highway, goods transportation will be easier.
He further said that to ensure environment-friendly industrialization, an international standard Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) and modern infrastructure will be built here.
Assuring investors about security, the Home Minister said that law enforcement agencies will always be ready to ensure overall security, uninterrupted transport system and safe working environment of the industrial area. Besides, quick approvals and necessary services will be ensured through BEZA's 'One-Stop Service' (OSS).
In his speech as the chief guest, Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury said the government is committed to increasing domestic and foreign investment. Investment of about 1 billion US dollars is on the way to be implemented in the China-Bangladesh Economic and Industrial Zone. He also informed about the initiative to launch a fully effective 'Single Window Service' soon as well as attracting strategic foreign investment in the capital market.
He called upon the Chinese partners to set up a modern Skill Development Center to develop skilled human resources in the Anwara industrial area.
Also spoke at the event were Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, Member of Parliament from Chattogram-13 (Anwara-Karnaphuli) constituency Sarwar Jamal Nizam, Vice Chairman of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Li Changgui and Chairman of Bangladesh CEIZ Company Limited Wang Benqian.
At that time, local representatives, businessmen, investors and media workers were present.
