The official foundation stone for the “China Economic and Industrial Zone” (CEIZ), a Bangladesh-China Government-to-Government (G2G) joint initiative, was laid in the Belchura area of Anwara Upazila, Chattogram. Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury inaugurated the project as the chief guest at a grand ceremony today. In his address, the minister stated that the implementation of this project will not only lead to the establishment of heavy industries but will also open up vast economic opportunities across housing, transportation, logistics, service sectors and local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Speaking as the special guest, Home Minister Salauddin Ahmed assured that law enforcement agencies will remain fully vigilant to ensure overall security for the CEIZ, provide seamless protection for both domestic and foreign investors, maintain uninterrupted transport corridors and guarantee a safe working environment.

Being developed on approximately 783 acres of land on the eastern bank of the Karnafuli River in Anwara under a G2G partnership, the economic zone carries an estimated project cost of Tk 4,189 crore, with essential infrastructure development scheduled for completion between January 2027 and December 2031.

The landmark inauguration ceremony was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Members of Parliament Sarwar Jamal Nizam, Ershad Ullah, Abu Sufian and Hummam Quader Chowdhury, alongside Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury, as well as top local and international industrial entrepreneurs and investors.