The National Special Economic Zone (NSEZ) Development Project is being implemented by the Invest Bangladesh Authority (IBA) with World Bank (IDA) financing under the Programme on Private Investment and Digital Entrepreneurship (PRIDE). The project is developing off-site infrastructure for Zones 2A and 2B and surrounding zones in Mirsarai (Chattogram) and Sonagazi (Feni). It aims to promote private investment, create employment opportunities and mainstream environmental sustainability. Components include roads, stormwater drainage, canals, power and gas networks, land development, security infrastructure, an emergency response centre, a skills development centre, an investors' club, an environmental laboratory, solid waste management facilities, solar power infrastructure and a central effluent treatment plant (CETP) under a PPP model. The approved implementation period runs from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2028, with an approved cost of Tk 4,140.04 crore. The ongoing project focuses on immediate infrastructure requirements; however, significant opportunities remain to develop approximately 19,000 acres of land for future industrialisation and investment.
Project overview
Investment opportunity
The project offers opportunities for private investment in the development of industrial, logistics and supporting commercial infrastructure within Bangladesh's flagship National Special Economic Zone. NSEZ Zones 2A and 2B already host 82 investors across a range of sectors, demonstrating strong demand and providing a platform for further industrial expansion.
Investment types sought
Project status
Development stage
Implementation / scaling / financial close
Current status / progress to date
Physical progress: 29%
Additional project information
- Lead agency
- Prime Minister's Office/Invest Bangladesh Authority
Expected impact
Jobs created / supported
The project is expected to create approximately 765,644 jobs within the zone by 2040. Construction and operation will generate employment opportunities, with priority given to local landowners and agricultural labourers. The Skills Development Centre and training programme will support workforce development and employability.
Economic & development benefits
- Attracts private investment and FDI through serviced land, roads, drainage, power, gas and security infrastructure for the 82 investors already established in NSEZ Zones 2A and 2B
- Creates approximately 765,644 jobs within the zone by 2040
- Supports export growth and diversification, increases foreign exchange earnings and generates higher government revenue
- Strengthens skills development and local livelihoods through training programmes and employment opportunities for local landowners and agricultural workers
- Delivers strong projected returns, with a financial IRR of 25.71% (BCR 2.43) and an economic IRR of 32.00% (BCR 3.00)
Climate & resilience benefits
- Strengthens flood and waterlogging resilience through stormwater drainage networks, canal development, land raising and a drainage system alongside the super dyke
- Enhances disaster preparedness through an emergency response centre with multipurpose functionality in a cyclone-prone area
- Improves pollution control and resource management through a 48 MLD central effluent treatment plant (CETP) and a 31 TPD solid waste management facility
- Supports clean energy generation through 4.5 MW of rooftop and ground-mounted solar power, solar street lighting and net metering
- Strengthens environmental management through approved EIA and EMP measures, an environmental laboratory and a monitoring system
Contact
Contact team
For more information about this project, please contact the Commonwealth Investment Platform team.