The long-delayed Chinese Economic Zone project in Chattogram’s Anwara upazila is being resubmitted for approval at the latest meeting of the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC), chaired by Prime Minister and ECNEC Chairperson Tareq Rahman. The meeting will also consider five projects worth Tk 7,003.36 crore, including three new and two revised ones. The Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone project, under the Prime Minister’s Office, is among those awaiting approval.

The zone will be developed on about 800 acres in Belchura, near the Karnaphuli Tunnel, Chattogram Port, and Shah Amanat International Airport. Initiated in 2014 and formalized through a government-to-government deal with China in 2016, the project stalled due to financing and administrative delays. The Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) will handle offsite infrastructure, while China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) will manage internal development. The project is scheduled from January 2027 to December 2031, funded by Tk 1,722 crore from the government and Tk 2,467 crore in Chinese credit.

BEZA expects the project to create about 100,000 direct and 400,000 indirect jobs and attract around USD 500 million in foreign investment, though the Planning Commission has raised concerns over high construction costs.