The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) held a "Meet the Investors" event in Chattogram today (17 October), bringing together more than 100 local and foreign investors to strengthen cooperation and address industrial operational challenges.
Held at a hotel under the motto "Dialogue, Partnership, and Shared Growth", the event drew investors from Chattogram EPZ, Karnaphuli EPZ, Comilla EPZ, Bepza Economic Zone-1 and Bepza Economic Zone-2, according to the press release.
The programme aimed to improve communication with existing investors, understand their concerns and explore ways to strengthen the investment environment.
It was Bepza's second investor engagement event of the year. A similar programme in Dhaka on 10 October brought together investors from Dhaka, Adamjee, Uttara, Mongla and Ishwardi EPZs.
At the Dhaka event, Bepza launched three specialised country desks for investors from China, South Korea and Japan, its top three investing nations.
The desks aim to provide faster, more focused services; streamline communication with existing and prospective investors; offer assistance tailored to their investment needs; and simplify the investment process.
Welcoming participants in Chattogram, Major General Mohammad Moazzem Hossain, executive chairman of Bepza, said, "Communication is the highest form of respect and today's gathering will help us strengthen our partnerships, listen directly to our investors, understand their concerns and expectations, and explore ways to make our investment environment more competitive and business-friendly."
He said global geopolitical uncertainty was disrupting energy markets and supply chains and increasing business costs worldwide.
Thanking investors, he recognised their resilience and optimism in sustaining economic activity despite power supply and infrastructure challenges.
"Your stubborn optimism, unflinching courage, brilliance and decency have kept this economy alive. We are proud of you," he said.
He also praised workers' skills and their contribution to producing a diverse range of goods.
Products manufactured in the EPZs ranged from high-end apparel and military logistics supplies for NATO to clothing displayed on international fashion runways and bridal gowns sold in Nordic countries, he said.
"Our workers' craftsmanship is spectacular: In the EPZs, they are producing world-class shoes, garments, jewellery, spectacles, bags, safety gear, bridal wear, even uniforms for peace," he added.
The executive chairman said Bepza had achieved notable results despite challenging economic conditions.
During FY2025–26, it signed investment agreements with 36 enterprises. Exports from its zones reached $8.41 billion during the same period, up 2.22% from the previous financial year.
He described the declaration of Bepza Economic Zone-1, Bepza Economic Zone-2, Jashore EPZ and Patuakhali EPZ as full-fledged zones as another significant milestone.
He invited investors to expand operations in the new zones alongside their supply-chain partners.
"Bepza has always regarded investors as valued partners. Your valuable feedback strengthens our strategies. I assure you that Bepza stands beside you at every step and will continue to support you in overcoming any challenges," he said.
Md Tanvir Hossain, member, investment promotion, presented Bepza's achievements and progress during FY2025–26.
His presentation covered investment attraction, export growth, employment generation, new investment agreements, economic contributions per acre of land, and technology and knowledge transfer through EPZ enterprises.
It also outlined worker welfare initiatives, measures to simplify investor services, and policy and procedural improvements intended to create a more investment-friendly environment.
He highlighted progress in developing Bepza's economic zones and the new EPZs in Jashore and Patuakhali, encouraging investors to explore opportunities there.
Noting the limited availability of land in operational zones, Tanvir Hossain said Bepza was contributing to the national economy by making optimal use of this resource.
"Through the optimal use of this limited land, Bepza has attracted $3 million in investment per acre of land, while simultaneously generating an annual return of Tk13.82 crore per acre," he said.
Md Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, additional executive director, enterprise services and industrial relations, delivered a presentation titled "A Legacy of Trust, A Future of Equity: Challenges and the Way Forward".
He discussed worker welfare, employer-worker relations, labour law reform and preparations to address future challenges.
His presentation highlighted efforts to maintain an investment-friendly environment, amend the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019 in line with international labour standards, and expand investor services through digital transformation.
It also covered 45 online services, Bepza's round-the-clock helpline at 16128, worker welfare programmes and progress in implementing the Employment Injury Scheme.
An open discussion followed between senior Bepza officials and investors.
Participants exchanged views on investor services, business expansion, operational challenges facing existing industries, potential investment and further improvements to the investment environment.
Participants also discussed the Bangladesh EPZ Labour Act, 2019. Bepza reaffirmed its commitment to protecting investors' and workers' interests while maintaining international labour standards.
Established in 1980, Bepza supports export-oriented industrialisation, investment promotion and employment generation.
Investors from 38 countries have invested in its eight EPZs and two economic zones. Total investment stands at approximately $7.50 billion, while cumulative exports have reached around $130 billion.
BEPZA said its zones accounted for approximately 20% of Bangladesh's total exports and 19.17% of the country's total foreign direct investment.