The under-construction Patuakhali Export Processing Zone (EPZ) is moving closer to welcoming industries, with 60 industrial plots now prepared for investors, according to the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA).
The plots are among 306 planned industrial plots spread across 410.78 acres in Auliapur Union of Patuakhali Sadar upazila. BEPZA said it will soon begin the formal allocation of the ready plots.
“We have already prepared 60 industrial plots for investors. Very soon, we will formally start allocating these plots to investors,” said Abu Syeed Md Anwar Parvez, executive director (public relations) of BEPZA.
He said BEPZA is working on plot allocation alongside infrastructure development so investors can set up factories and begin operations without unnecessary delays.
The Patuakhali EPZ is being developed to attract investment, boost exports and create employment in the southern region.
The Tk 1,442.78 crore project was approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) on August 29, 2023.
The project was initially scheduled for completion by June 2026, but the implementation period is now being extended by two years to June 30, 2028.
Land possession was handed over to BEPZA by the Patuakhali district administration on April 1, 2024.
At full production, the EPZ is expected to attract around $1.53 billion in foreign direct investment and generate annual exports of about $1.836 billion. It is projected to create around 100,000 direct jobs and another 200,000 indirect jobs.
Several major infrastructure works are already progressing. Land development and improvement of a 4.40-kilometre canal have been completed, while roads, drains, footpaths, culverts, office buildings, factory buildings, residential facilities and utility networks are under construction.
Work is also progressing on an 11-kV high-tension power line and a 33/11-kV GIS substation.
Around 130 of the 154 houses planned for the rehabilitation area are nearing completion.
A primary school, mosque, playground, cemetery and footpaths are also close to completion.
The EPZ will eventually include four six-storey standard factory buildings, three 10-storey residential buildings and three office buildings.
Other facilities will include a Central Effluent Treatment Plant, Sewage Treatment Plant network, helipad, substation and rainwater conservation reservoirs.
BEPZA is also taking environmental measures at the site, with around 700 fruit-bearing trees of different varieties already planted inside the EPZ.
Investor interest is beginning to emerge as infrastructure takes shape. Delegations from Malaysia and China have recently visited the site and expressed interest in investing, while another Chinese delegation has also shown interest.
BEPZA said it is continuing discussions with potential investors as it prepares to allocate the first batch of industrial plots.
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