Corona has received investment proposals worth Tk 34,680 crore annually in economic zones

News Desk: In the year of economic stagnation, significant investment proposals have come in the economic zones of the country. Till January-December of the outgoing year, investment proposals amounting to ৮ 406 crore or Rs 34,060 crore (equivalent to Rs 75 per dollar) have been submitted to the economic zones of the country.

Throughout the year 2020, Corona's injury has hampered economic activity. Although lockdown and stagnation started all over the world at the beginning of the year, adverse effects started in Bangladesh mainly from March. The impact of long-term holidays and lockdowns has led to stagnation in development activities. There was stagnation in new investments throughout the year. Even after this, the investment proposals have given a glimmer of hope. According to Beja sources, from March to December last year, investment proposals in the economic zone amounted to about 315 crore US dollars (26 thousand 756 crore). Of which, the foreign investment proposal is about 54 crore 52 lakh dollars (4 thousand 634 crore taka) and the local investment proposal amount is 26 crore 50 lakh dollars (22 thousand 736 crore 50 lakh taka). Regarding the investment situation during the Corona period, Pawan Chowdhury, Executive Chairman of Bejar, said that the economic zones of Bangladesh have proved to be the best places to invest during the Corona period. Due to the stability and long-term planning of the present government, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Industrial City has become known as an ideal place of investment for domestic and foreign investors. He mentioned that Bangabandhu Industrial City will be the next investment and trade capital of Bangladesh. It may be mentioned that the Governing Board of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) has already approved the location of 96 economic zones and the amount of land. Of these, 8 are public economic zones and 29 are private economic zones. Among these economic zones, there are two public-private partnership economic zones, four GTZ economic zones and three tourism parks. In the meantime, 6,315 acres of land in five economic zones, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Industrial City, Maheshkhali, Srihatta, Jamalpur Economic Zone and Sabrang Tourism Park have been selected for leasing in favor of 182 investing institutions.

The proposed investment in these is about 2 thousand 398 crore US dollars or (2 lakh 3 thousand 845 crore). In addition, about ০ 3.10 billion (Tk. 26,350 crore) has been invested in the private economic zones. As a result, the total investment proposal stands at 2,606 crore US dollars (2,30,095 crore). The proposed investment is expected to create about one million jobs. Notable foreign investment proposals include Berger Paints in the United Kingdom, Jiangsu Yabang Dystuff Co. Ltd. in China, Jihang Medical Products (BD) Co., Ltd., CCEC Bangladesh Ltd. in Germany, H.A. Ltd. in Australia, H. Ltd. in Australia. Fortis Group, Lizard Sports of the Netherlands and Inter-Asia Group Pvt. Ltd. of Singapore.

Native proposed investors, notably the Metro Spinning Limited, myakasanasa Spinning Eye Textile, samuda Food Products Ltd, Uttara Motors Ltd., the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Simon Beach Resort Limited, forgive juice Limited, Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), n. Mohammad Plastic Industries Limited, IFAD Autos Limited, Runner Motors Limited, Saif Powertech, Delta Pharma Limited, Asia Composite Mills Limited are notable.

Reviewing Bejar's investment proposals, it is seen that last year, the highest investment proposals came in the food and agriculture sector at 23.42 percent. Among the notable investment proposals are 20.58 per cent in the power and gas sector, 18.04 per cent in the steel sector, 18.79 per cent in the garments and textile sector and 13.61 per cent in the chemical sector. It is to be noted that the amount of online services provided at the One Stop Service Center under Bazar has increased to 47 since last Wednesday.

Earlier, on November 22, 11 services were added online at the One Stop Service Center. According to Bejar, six more services are in the process of being added online by January 2021. As a result, at the end of January, the number of OSS services online will be 54.