With the nation of Bangladesh poised to become an economic powerhouse in the South Asian region,
the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce hosted a meeting with a high-level delegation representing the
Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) aimed at enhancing trade relations between Sri
Lanka and Bangladesh.
Welcoming the delegation from BEPZA, Chairman of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Mr. Vish
Govindasamy drew reference to the significant increase in bilateral trade volumes in 2020/21, noting
that business promotion delegations such as that from BEPZA, contribute positively to the Chamber’s
efforts to enhance bilateral trade and investment and explore the untapped potential for economic
growth.
Executive Chairman of BEPZA, Major General A K M Ziaur Rahman enthusiastically welcomed Sri Lankan
firms to explore investment opportunities in Bangladesh, highlighting attractive and comprehensive
investment facilities, and a stable economic climate promising rapid growth.
Strategically located as the geopolitical gateway to India and China offering access to 2.9 billion
consumers and exports amounting to over $ 44 billion dollars in 2021, Bangladesh is one of the fastest
growing economies in Asia, Mr. Tanvir Hossain, Executive Director – Investment Promotion, BEPZA,
added.
BEPZA is the official government agency charged with promoting, attracting and facilitating foreign
investment in the EPZs, as well as managing the EPZs, thereby executing the Government of
Bangladesh’s mandate to implement an ‘open door’ policy in order to attract more foreign investment
to the country. With 38 countries across Europe, Asia and North America invested in 8 EPZs across the
country, there are currently 454 enterprises in operation and 78 industries under implementation,
contributing to over 17% ($6.64 billion) to national exports last year.
In addition to fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, investments in BEPZA also benefit from preferential market access with GSP facilities from 38 countries across the globe, an increasing number of bilateral treaties and duty free access.
Boosted by the presence of established global brands, the country is currently the largest exporter of
denim to the EU market, 2 nd largest exporter of jute and 8 th largest exporter of leather products,
opportunities in the manufacture of diversified products such as luggage, furniture, LED products,
camera lenses and automobile parts abound.
Sri Lanka’s private sector was well represented at the meeting, with companies in diverse industries
ranging from renewable energy, warehousing and logistics to food processing, wellness and FMCG
taking the opportunity to meet and further discuss investment opportunities with the BEPZA
representatives.