Published: 11:57 AM, 12 June 2026
ASEAN diplomatic delegation visits BSEZ
A high-level delegation of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC), comprising representatives of ASEAN diplomatic missions in Bangladesh, visited the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), commonly known as the Japanese Economic Zone on Thursday.
The 18-member delegation was led by Her Excellency Listyowati, Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh and Chairperson of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee. The delegation included Ambassadors, High Commissioners, and senior diplomatic officials from 8 ASEAN member countries: Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.
During the visit, the delegation first explored the manufacturing facility of Singer Bangladesh Limited, one of the investors operating within BSEZ. The visitors were briefed on the company’s production processes, application of modern technologies, and contribution to employment generation. The delegation later visited Art Nature Bangladesh Limited, a Japanese investment company engaged in the production of export-oriented hair wigs, where they gained firsthand insight into its manufacturing operations and export activities.
The visit concluded with a presentation session held at the BSEZ Conference Room, where delegates were provided with a comprehensive overview of the zone’s progress, investment incentives, infrastructure facilities, and Bangladesh’s overall investment climate. The session also featured discussions on investment opportunities, industrial development, regional economic cooperation, and prospects for expanding future investments.
Located in Araihazar, Narayanganj, on approximately 1,000 acres of land, the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) is the country’s first government-to-government (G2G) economic zone.
Developed jointly by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Sumitomo Corporation of Japan, the zone is emerging as one of Bangladesh’s premier destinations for international investment and world-class industrial development.
The development of BSEZ is being supported through a project worth approximately BDT 2582 crore, with assistance from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and Government of Bangladesh. The project includes land development, construction of access roads, and the provision of essential utility services, including electricity and gas connections. The zone is expected to attract Japanese investments worth around USD 1 billion, while also contributing to skills development, technology transfer, and the growth of a modern, environmentally sustainable industrial ecosystem.
Several local and foreign investors have already commenced construction activities within the zone, and three industrial enterprises are currently in commercial production. With its high-quality infrastructure, reliable utility services, skilled workforce, and investor-friendly policies, BSEZ is becoming an increasingly attractive destination for international investors.
Among others present during the visit were Saleh Ahmed, Additional Secretary to the Government and Executive Member (Investment Development) of BEZA; Chiharu Tagawa, Managing Director of Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) and Mohammad Zakaria Mithu, Deputy Managing Director of BSEZ and Deputy Secretary to the Government.
Speaking on the occasion, Saleh Ahmed stated that the visit of the ASEAN diplomatic representatives would further strengthen economic and commercial ties between Bangladesh and the ASEAN region and help create new avenues for future investment. He noted that such international engagement plays an important role in promoting industrialization, generating employment, and achieving sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh.
Ahmed further emphasized that if any other ASEAN member country is interested in establishing a similar government-to-government (G2G) economic zone in Bangladesh, the Government of Bangladesh would be ready to extend all possible cooperation, facilitation, and support to make such initiatives successful.
