The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) Economic Zone at Mirsharai, Chattogram, is seeing a surge of investor confidence, with significant inflows recorded in 2025. Between January and 8 September alone, 23 new investment agreements worth $333.72 million were signed. Since its establishment in 2022, the zone has secured 48 lease agreements with total commitments exceeding $1.028 billion, expected to generate around 131,000 jobs. Actual investment inflows so far stand at $61.41 million.
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Five foreign companies have already begun production and exports, four of them Chinese-owned and one from South Korea. Together, they have generated nearly 4,000 jobs and exported goods worth $17.3 million. These companies include Fengqun Composite Material Co (BD) Ltd producing footwear accessories, Kaixi Lingerie Bangladesh Co Ltd making garments, KPST Shoes (BD) Co Ltd manufacturing insoles and EVA foam, Mingda (Bangladesh) New Material Co Ltd producing textiles and packaging, and Youngchang BD Co Ltd from South Korea making adhesives and primers. Combined, they plan to expand operations with a proposed investment of $156.16 million.
Several other firms are preparing to start production, including ventures in wooden cutlery, medical products, shoe accessories, adhesives, and elastic materials. In total, about 15 more companies are in the pipeline, with 35–40 others showing strong interest. Bepza officials note that the zone has already drawn attention from investors across China, South Korea, Sri Lanka, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Singapore, India, the UAE, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Ireland, and Bangladesh.
The Kaixi Group of China is among the largest investors, having already launched Kaixi Lingerie Bangladesh Co Ltd in 2024 with $60.85 million and employing 3,700 workers. In August 2025, it committed another $40.05 million to expand under Kaixi Garments Bangladesh Ltd. Local companies are also joining, with Oasis Accessories (Pvt) Ltd investing $4.8 million in a garment accessories factory.
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Officials highlight that reduced US reciprocal tariffs, now at 20% compared to 50% for India and 30% for China, have increased Bangladesh’s appeal to global manufacturers. Bepza has assured investors of reliable electricity, water, and gas supply, with a gas distribution line nearing completion.
Approved in 2018, the Bepza Economic Zone spans 1,138.55 acres with 539 industrial plots, designed to attract $4.5 billion in total investment and generate nearly 500,000 jobs once fully operational. With investment and exports already underway ahead of schedule, the zone is being seen as a major new driver of Bangladesh’s industrial diversification and economic growth.