Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) contributed 29 percent of the country's total foreign direct investment (FDI) in the 2023-24 fiscal year, according to Bepza Member (Investment Development) Md Ashraful Kabir, reports The Business Standard.
"The eight export processing zones (EPZs) under Bepza and the Bepza Economic Zone occupy only 3,445 acres, or 13.95 square kilometres, of the country's total area. Despite their limited size, these zones played a crucial role in attracting $424.29 million in FDI out of the country's total $1,468.17 million during the fiscal year," he said.
He made the remarks during a press briefing held at the Bepza complex in Dhaka on Monday.
Ashraful also noted that Bepza accounted for 16 percent of the nation's total exports in FY2023-24. Of the $48.84 billion in total exports, $7.07 billion worth of goods were exported from Bepza-operated zones.
Over the years, Bepza has consistently contributed between 15-20% of Bangladesh's total exports, he said.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
