Depending on a single export product for growth I don’t see how this is a ironclad solution. We need to diversify
Well to say export diversification has not commenced or is not continuing would not be accurate.
However we can still say that the
pace of export diversification is rather slow and I see this rapidly changing as soon as the half dozen larger new EPZ and SEZ's start functioning.
There are almost a hundred new EPZ and SEZ's being set up across the main transport corridors.
We already talked about the one considered the mother lode with multiple Billions in investment, BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIB INDUSTRIAL CITY (30,000 acres). The zone will eventually have its own port facilities and power supply (initially 400 KV distribution by PGCB from National Power Grid, later a captive Power Station). Gas and Water utilities and distribution is in progress and implemented in the core industrial zone.
This news about BANGABANDHU SHEIKH MUJIB INDUSTRIAL CITY is from August 2020.
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Construction work of Mirsarai Economic Zone is going on in full swing in Chattogram. This zone is one of the largest and most attractive economic zone in the Indian subcontinent with its own seaport.
Mirsarai Economic Zone styled as Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Shilpa Nagar, is being developed on an adjoining 30,000 acres of land stretching to Feni’s Sonagazi Upazila.
Figure: This zone is one of the largest and most attractive economic zone in the Indian subcontinent with its own seaport. Courtesy: Collected
Besides, an airport is being built along with the seaport to speed up the transport of goods.
So far, the project received around USD 15 billion investment proposals.
At present 11 factories are under construction. By 2021, 20 companies will start factory construction. Yabang Group will invest $1 billion in the allotted 100 acres of land.
One of the biggest conglomerates of Bangladesh, Bashundhara Group is setting up a factory on 500 acres of land.
This zone will serve as a major investment area for the garment sector – which is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.
This zone will serve as a major investment area for the garment sector – which is the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy.
Considering all the aspects, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) is planning to add another 13,000 acres along with 30,000 acres.
These zones have special economic regulations that vary from the rest of Bangladesh. An entrepreneur can relish several facilities from authorities for setting up an industrial unit within it.
Mirsarai Economic Zone, the biggest industrial reserve and also Bangladesh’s first multi-sector economic zone, will be developed in some 30 phases.
As for the utility facilities, Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) is constructing a coastal embankment (super dyke) and a slope protection embankment to defend the project area from flood, saline intrusion, erosion instigated by the tidal surge and natural disasters.
The Roads and Highways Department (RHD) is constructing an 18km-long motorable pavement and a 10km access road to the project area.
The Rural Electrification Board (REB) has already installed a power distribution line and a substation.
The Department of Public Health Engineering (DPHE) is sinking deep tube-wells and a water reservoir.
The Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Ltd (KGDCL) is working to upgrade an existing gas distribution network from 350 mmcfd to 500 mmcfd to facilitate adequate gas supply to bulk and industrial customers.