Bangladesh eyes regional trade hub status with its first-ever free trade zone in Chattogram’s Anwara

Bangladesh has taken a landmark step toward reshaping its trade landscape, with the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approving the establishment of the country's first-ever Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Anowara, Chattogram.

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Finance Minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, today (17 June) approved such a milestone proposal to establish the country's first Free Trade Zone (FTZ) aimed at boosting trade, investment, and export capacity. 

The government hopes the initiative will position Bangladesh as a key player in international trade, supply chain management, and regional logistics. Aimed at boosting trade, investment, and export capacity, the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) has been working for years toward establishing a modern free trade zone in line with international standards. 

The establishment of Bangladesh's first Free Trade Zone is being regarded as a landmark step toward the country's economic transformation, enhanced global trade connectivity, and improved regional competitiveness. It is expected to position Bangladesh as a key trade and logistics hub in South and Southeast Asia, according to the press release issued by CCEA.

To that end, a high-level committee comprising ten relevant agencies including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries, Finance Division, National Board of Revenue (NBR), and the Ministry of Shipping conducted a comprehensive review of FTZ management systems, laws, policies, incentive frameworks, and operational models from countries around the world, culminating in a detailed report, said the press release. 

Based on the committee's recommendations, the Anwara area along the banks of the Karnaphuli river in Chattogram was selected as the most suitable location for the country's first FTZ, taking into account its infrastructure advantages, international trade connectivity, logistics capacity, and potential for future expansion.

The proposed FTZ is expected to open new horizons in international trade and supply chain management for Bangladesh. It is also anticipated to play a significant role in attracting foreign investment, diversifying exports, developing an international logistics hub, and generating employment. 

Notably, the establishment of the FTZ had earlier received approval at the 9th meeting of Beza's Governing Board on January 26, 2026.

Reform of the necessary laws and policies is already underway as Beza is currently reviewing and updating a range of legislation, including the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority Act 2010, Customs Act 2023, Warehouse Licensing Rules 2024, Import Policy Order 2021–2024, Export Policy Order 2024–2027, Foreign Exchange Management Guidelines, National Industrial Policy 2022, and the National Logistics Policy 2024, according to the press release. 

Beza believes the FTZ will open new horizons in international trade and supply chain management for Bangladesh, while also attracting foreign investment, diversifying exports, developing an international logistics hub, and generating employment.

It also hoped that the establishment of Bangladesh's first FTZ would be a transformative milestone for the country's economic development, global trade integration, and regional competitiveness helping cement Bangladesh's position as a vital trade and logistics hub in South and Southeast Asia.

Bida and Beza Executive Chairman Ashik Chowdhury said Bangladesh is at the right moment to transition to a free trade zone model. 

"The country's growing logistics capacity has created an opportunity to position Bangladesh as a regional warehouse and commercial hub," he said.

He added that exports are being treated as a primary driver of the economy, making the FTZ a natural next step. "This model has been successfully implemented in Dubai, China, and across Southeast Asia — Bangladesh wants to follow that path," he said.

Chowdhury also noted that some budget amendments and changes to the Import Policy Order have already been made in preparation for the FTZ, though further revisions to several laws and regulations remain necessary.