Bepza contributes 17.03% to national exports in FY25

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) has reinforced its pivotal role in the country's export landscape, accounting for 17.03% of total national exports in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024–25—an increase from 15.9% in the previous year. 

Of the $48.28 billion exported nationally, goods worth $8.22 billion were shipped from Bepza-administered Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the Bepza Economic Zone, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 16.22%. 

Alongside this surge in export earnings, over 33,000 new employment opportunities were created within the zones, bringing the total workforce to 533,527 as of June 2025, up from 500,110 a year earlier. This rise stems from both the expansion of existing industries and the entry of new enterprises.

Since its establishment, Bepza has facilitated exports totalling $119 billion, with products manufactured in these zones reaching more than 120 countries worldwide, reads a press release today. 

Employment generation also showed steady growth, with 533,527 Bangladeshi nationals employed across eight EPZs and the Bepza Economic Zone as of June 2025, compared to 500,110 in June 2024. This increase reflects the launch of new enterprises and the expansion of existing industries.

Capital investment by enterprises in Bepza zones during FY2024–25 amounted to $292.77 million in machinery, construction materials, and other fixed assets, slightly down from $350.93 million the previous year. Bepza views this dip as a temporary adjustment amid global and local economic shifts and remains confident that the groundwork laid during this period will drive renewed investment growth in the coming quarters.

A key highlight of the year was the signing of 33 new investment agreements with firms from China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the British Virgin Islands, Singapore, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh. These agreements, representing proposed investments totalling $497.48 million, are expected to create approximately 59,408 jobs for Bangladeshi workers. 

The new ventures will manufacture a diverse range of products, including ready-made garments, electronics, agro-based goods, footwear, leather products, packaging materials, tents, wigs, light engineering items, toys, and composite materials. 

Once operational, these investments are anticipated to boost actual inflows and further enhance the performance of Bepza zones in FY2025–26.