Around 70 businessmen and representatives of organisations from countries including Korea, China, Japan, Australia, and India visited the Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ) in Anwara, Chattogram, and the National Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mirsarai as part of an informal tour marking the beginning of the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025.

The visit, which took place on Monday, marked the unofficial start of the summit, with the official inauguration scheduled for Wednesday at the Intercontinental Hotel in Dhaka.

The summit, titled ‘Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025’, is being organised by the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and will continue until Thursday.

Exploring industrial hubs in Chattogram

On the first day of the informal tour, domestic and foreign investors were taken to two key industrial zones in Chattogram: the KEPZ and the Mirsarai SEZ. From 9:00am to noon, the delegates visited various factories operated by Youngone Corporation, the Korean industrial group managing KEPZ.

Following the factory visits, Youngone Corporation provided a detailed presentation on its operations within the KEPZ, highlighting its contributions to Bangladesh’s industrial growth.

Notably, KEPZ, developed by a private foreign investor, is managed by the globally renowned Youngone Group, which has transformed the zone into a hub for green industries.

According to government data, the KEPZ spans over 7 million square feet and houses 48 industrial enterprises, all recognised as environmentally sustainable.

The majority of these enterprises are engaged in the ready-made garment sector, while others specialise in manufacturing shoes and bags. Collectively, these factories employ more than 35,000 people, making significant contributions to local employment and economic development.

Comprehensive infrastructure for workers

During the visit, investors learned that Youngone Group has gone beyond factory construction to create a holistic environment for workers and officials.

A 100-bed hospital has been established within the KEPZ area to cater to workers` healthcare needs. Additionally, housing facilities, entertainment amenities, and training centres have been set up to ensure employee welfare and skill development.

A new 600-bed hospital and a textile institute are also under construction, further enhancing the zone`s infrastructure.

Employees working in these foreign-invested institutions expressed high satisfaction with their workplaces, sharing positive feedback with the visiting investors.

Encouraging words from Youngone Chairman

Kihak Sung, Chairman of the Youngone Group, addressed the visiting investors during their tour of the KEPZ. He praised the current government’s efforts to streamline investment-related laws and regulations, saying: "Bangladesh has invited foreign investors many times before, but there were no effective initiatives at that time. The current government has taken steps to simplify and consolidate investment-related processes. Now, truly effective measures are being implemented to attract foreign investment."

He extended an invitation to the visiting businessmen and organisation representatives, urging them to consider investing in Bangladesh.

When a Chinese investment representative asked about obstacles to foreign investment, Kihak Sung highlighted administrative complexity as a challenge.

However, he noted that despite such hurdles, Bangladesh remains an attractive destination for profitable investments. "That is why we are continuously expanding our investments and business activities in this country," he added.

A global gathering of investors

According to BIDA, the Bangladesh Investment Summit-2025 has drawn participation from over 550 investors and representatives of business organisations from 50 countries worldwide. In addition to direct investors, top executives and representatives of several globally renowned companies have registered for the event.

The summit aims to position Bangladesh as a premier investment destination by showcasing its potential across various sectors, including textiles, manufacturing, and infrastructure. Through site visits like the one to KEPZ and Mirsarai SEZ, organisers hope to provide investors with first-hand insights into the country’s industrial capabilities and supportive ecosystems.

A step toward economic growth

The visit to KEPZ and Mirsarai SEZ underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for foreign direct investment (FDI). By addressing challenges and building world-class industrial zones, the country seeks to attract global partners and accelerate its journey toward becoming a middle-income nation.

As the summit progresses, stakeholders remain optimistic that these efforts will translate into tangible investments, driving job creation, technological advancement, and sustainable economic growth for Bangladesh.

Source: BSS