The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) attracts around $3 million in investment per acre of land and generates an annual return of Tk13.82 crore through the efficient use of limited land, the authority said at an investor meeting in Chattogram today (17 October).
Despite challenging conditions, Bepza signed investment agreements with 36 companies in FY26, while exports from its zones reached $8.41 billion, up 2.22% from the previous fiscal year.
The figures were presented at the "Meet the Investors" event at Radisson Blu in Chattogram, attended by more than 100 local and foreign investors from the Chattogram EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, Cumilla EPZ, Bepza Economic Zone-1 and Bepza Economic Zone-2.
Bepza Executive Chairman Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain said investors had kept economic activity going despite disruptions to energy markets and supply chains caused by global trade uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, as well as power and infrastructure constraints.
"Communication is the highest form of respect. Today's event will help us strengthen our partnerships, listen directly to investors, understand their problems and expectations, and find ways to make our investment environment more competitive and business-friendly," he said.
Praising the skills of export workers, Moazzem said the zones produce a wide range of goods, including footwear, garments, jewellery, eyewear, bags, safety equipment, wedding dresses and uniforms for peacekeeping missions.
He urged investors to expand their operations into Bepza Economic Zone-1, Bepza Economic Zone-2, Jashore EPZ and Patuakhali EPZ, saying the authority would continue to support their businesses.
Bepza Member (Investment Promotion) Md Tanvir Hossain presented the authority's performance in FY26, highlighting export growth, employment, land utilisation and progress in developing new zones.
In a separate presentation, Bepza Additional Executive Director (Enterprise Services and Industrial Relations) Md Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan outlined measures to improve worker welfare and labour standards.
He highlighted 45 online services, a 24-hour helpline (16128) and the implementation of the Employment Injury Scheme. He also discussed proposed amendments to the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019, to bring it in line with international labour standards.
An open discussion followed, during which investors and Bepza officials exchanged views on operational challenges, services and labour laws.
Earlier, on 10 October, Bepza launched three specialised country desks in Dhaka for investors from China, South Korea and Japan.
Established in 1980, Bepza oversees eight export processing zones and two economic zones, which have attracted around $7.5 billion in investment from investors across 38 countries. Cumulative exports from the zones have reached approximately $130 billion.
The authority accounts for around 20% of Bangladesh's total exports and 19.17% of its total foreign direct investment (FDI), according to the information presented at the event.