Bangladesh to discuss Bhutan special economic zone progress with Bhutanese PM Sunday
Beza has already proposed setting up a government-to-government (G2G) SEZ for Bhutan at Kurigram Economic Zone-1 in Kurigram Sadar Upazila
A high-level meeting on the progress of a Bhutan-specific special economic zone (SEZ) will take place on Sunday (23 November) between visiting Prime Minister of Bhutan Dasho Tshering Tobgay and Bangladesh officials, according to Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.
Speaking to The Business Standard, Ashik Chowdhury said, "A few days ago, we had a detailed discussion on this matter with the ambassador of Bhutan to Bangladesh. The government of Bangladesh wants to move this project forward. Now, the next step has to come from Bhutan's side.
Tomorrow, I have a meeting with Bhutan's prime minister, where this issue will be discussed."
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Beza officials highlighted that establishing a special economic zone for Bhutan in Kurigram would open new avenues for business and trade between Bangladesh and its South Asian neighbour. Kurigram's proximity to Bhutan offers strategic advantages, with easy access via the Sonahali and Roumari land ports, as well as the Chilmari river port.
Beza has already proposed setting up a government-to-government (G2G) SEZ for Bhutan at Kurigram Economic Zone-1 in Kurigram Sadar Upazila. For the project, 133.92 acres of land have been acquired, while an additional 61.87 acres are in the process of acquisition.
Currently, Beza aims to successfully implement five economic zones, including the National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) in Mirersarai, Chattogram, in the short term. In addition, Beza has announced a 10-year time-bound plan for four more economic zones, including the Kurigram Economic Zone.
Bangladesh is developing G2G economic cooperation with Japan and China, with the most progress made in collaboration with Japan, Beza officials said.
