Cumilla EPZ makes record 902mn export income

Cumilla Export Processing Zone (Cumilla EPZ) has created a record of exporting more than $902 million since its 25th year of establishment.  Despite the political turmoil in the 2024-25 fiscal year, this record export revenue is playing an important role in the national economy and is also having a positive impact on the local economy, according to the company's employees, investors and authorities.

According to the EPZ sources, more than 50,000 officials and employees are working in 46 companies at Cumilla EPZ. In the last three fiscal years, goods worth $2,933.64 million have been exported. However, exports did not increase from 2021 to 2024, but decreased. In the fiscal year 2021-22, goods worth $814.82 million were exported. In the fiscal year 2022-23, goods worth $790.95 million were exported. In the fiscal year 2023-24, goods worth $711.37 million were exported while goods worth $902 million went to different countries in the fiscal year 2024-25. As a result, the export of goods has increased by more than 100 million dollars compared to previous years. 

Abdullah Al Mahbub, Executive Director of Cumilla EPZ, said, "This is really comforting. Investors, officials, workers and BEPZA authorities are also contributors to this success. Especially those who have our workers are the ones who are more involved in this record. And foreign companies are making the workers more motivated by various gifts and bonuses in addition to fair wages, investment is increasing as well as working hours - due to which it is becoming easier for the companies to take any order."

Investors are also interested in Cumilla EPZ as it is located between the capital Dhaka and the port city of Chittagong. 

Muhammad Imran, Chief Financial Officer of Shurti Textile BD Limited, a denim pants manufacturing company in Cumilla EPZ, said, "We are satisfied with Comilla EPZ, so we have now expanded from one plant to three plants. We are trying to motivate our employees and officials by providing them with holy Hajj, health care, and festival gifts beyond salary and allowances."

EPZ Executive Director Abdullah Al Mahbub said, "The EPZ is waiting for further prosperity. Its importance is different from others as it is located in the middle of the country and close to the port city. That is why investors are paying more attention here. But we are not able to provide the opportunity as the plot is not vacant."

"It has been learnt that 66 percent of the workers and employees working in the EPZ are women. Those who work here have become self-sufficient with their income. Many women have become prosperous in their families because they are not dissatisfied with their salaries", he added. 

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