ASEAN diplomats visit BSEZ to explore investment opportunities
A high-level delegation from the ASEAN Dhaka Committee visited the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) in Araihazar, Narayanganj, on 11 June, signalling deepening regional economic engagement and investment interest in Bangladesh's premier industrial hub.
The 18-member delegation was led by HE Listyowati, Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh and Chairperson of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee.
The visiting delegation comprised ambassadors, high commissioners and senior officials representing Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
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During the visit, the delegation toured the Singer Bangladesh Limited manufacturing facility, a key investor at BSEZ.
Delegates received briefings on the company's production technologies, operational processes and contribution to employment.
The group also visited Art Nature Bangladesh Limited, a Japanese-invested manufacturer of export-oriented hair wigs, gaining insights into its operations and export activities.
The visit concluded with a briefing session at the BSEZ Conference Room, where delegates were presented with an overview of the zone's progress, investment incentives, infrastructure and Bangladesh's investment climate.
Discussions covered investment opportunities, industrial development, regional economic cooperation and prospects for further investment.
Situated on about 1,000 acres in Araihazar, Narayanganj, BSEZ is Bangladesh's first government-to-government (G2G) economic zone.
Jointly developed by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan, BSEZ is positioning itself as a prime destination for international investment and industrial development.
BSEZ's development is supported by a project valued at around Tk2,582 crore, with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Bangladesh.
The project comprises land development, construction of access roads and provision of essential utilities, including electricity and gas.
The zone is expected to attract Japanese investments of approximately $1 billion, while supporting skills development, technology transfer and a modern, sustainable industrial ecosystem.
Several local and foreign investors have commenced construction in the zone, with three industrial enterprises already in commercial production.
With advanced infrastructure, reliable utilities, a skilled workforce and investor-friendly policies, BSEZ continues to attract international investors.
Present during the visit were Saleh Ahmed, Additional Secretary and Executive Member, Investment Development, of BEZA; Chiharu Tagawa, Managing Director of BSEZ; and Mohammad Zakaria Mithu, Deputy Managing Director of BSEZ and Deputy Secretary to the Government.
Saleh Ahmed said the ASEAN delegation's visit would strengthen economic and commercial ties between Bangladesh and the ASEAN region and open new avenues for investment.
He noted that such international engagement is vital for promoting industrialisation, generating employment and achieving sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh.
Ahmed added that the Government of Bangladesh stands ready to extend full cooperation and support if other ASEAN member countries are interested in establishing similar government-to-government economic zones.
ASEAN Dhaka Committee delegation
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
HE Listyowati, Ambassador and Chairperson of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee; M Robbi Firli Harkha, Third Secretary; and Sapto Rudiyanto, Supporting Staff of the Embassy of Indonesia.
High Commission of Brunei Darussalam
HE Hj Haris bin Othman, High Commissioner; and Hj Rozaimee DP Hj Abdullah, First Secretary.
High Commission of Malaysia
HE Mohd Shuhada Othman, High Commissioner; and Hazwan Bin Hasnol, First Secretary.
Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar
HE Kyaw Soe Moe, Ambassador; and Nyi Nyi Aung, Second Secretary.
Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines
HE Nina P Cainglet, Ambassador; and Judienne S Capiz, Third Secretary.
High Commission of the Republic of Singapore
Mitchel Lee, Chargé d'Affaires a.i.; Dhanya Lingesh, Second Secretary; and Zainab Ali Amdan, Second Secretary, Visa and Consular.
Royal Thai Embassy
HE Thitiporn Chirasawadi, Ambassador; and Morakot Weerawongphrom, Counsellor.
Embassy of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam
HE Nguyen Manh Cuong, Ambassador; and Vu Quang Thang, First Secretary.
The delegation comprised 18 participants from eight ASEAN missions in Dhaka.
