The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) urged Chinese investors to come and explore the golden opportunity to invest in Bangladesh.

Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, executive chairman of Bepza, made the request at a seminar in Ningbo, China today, according to a press release.

Bepza and the Ningbo Daxie Chamber of Commerce (NDCC) jointly organised the seminar, styled "Investment Opportunities in the EPZs and EZ of Bepza".

It was attended by around 120 people, including prospective investors, local media, investment analysts, and business lawyers.

"Come and explore a golden opportunity to invest in Bangladesh, a nation where potential meets performance, and partnerships lead to prosperity," Rahman said.

Highlighting the country's strategic location and dynamic economy, the Bepza executive chairman said, "Bangladesh is located strategically at the crossroads of South Asia and Southeast Asia, offering seamless access to regional and international markets."

"Our vibrant population of over 180 million, predominantly young, educated, and highly skilled individuals, ensures a robust workforce that can drive businesses to new heights."

The main attraction for investing in Bangladesh is that it is inexpensive and has an easily trainable workforce, he emphasised, adding that the minimum wage is the lowest in Asia.

The country's investment policies have been consistently liberalised to ensure a favorable environment for foreign investors.

Moreover, Bepza has been providing a "One Stop Service" to its investors, making it easier for them to set up and operate industries in EPZs.

Rahman also outlined Bepza's future plans, including the development of the Bepza Economic Zone at Mirsharai in Chattogram, which has attracted 41 enterprises.

The establishment of three new EPZs in Jashore, Patuakhali, and Gaibandha is also underway. They are expected to be ready for investors by the end of 2025.

In addition, investors from 38 countries have invested in the EPZs and Bepza Economic Zone, with 449 enterprises in operation, cumulative investment of $ 6.8 billion.

Over half a million Bangladeshi nationals work directly for these enterprises.

Among them, 107 industrial units have been established by the Chinese at a cost of $ 1.6 billion, creating job opportunities for 133,000 Bangladeshis.

Cao Jun, executive director of the NDCC, and Md Tanvir Hossain, executive director (investment promotion) of the Bepza, Tarek Hossain, director (investment promotion) and Ali Istiak Chowdhury, director, were also present.