Just 13.95 square kilometers of land. This area would almost disappear on a map compared to Bangladesh’s total land size. But within this tiny space, a unique story of the country’s exports and foreign investment is being written. The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) manages nine zones covering only 0.001 percent of Bangladesh’s total area. Yet, nearly one-sixth of the country’s total foreign direct investment (FDI) has come to these zones. This year marks BEPZA’s 45th anniversary.

Using a small area, BEPZA has been able to attract comparatively higher foreign investment. In terms of FDI growth, Export Processing Zones (EPZs) outperform non-EPZ areas. Bangladesh Bank regularly publishes reports on the country’s foreign investment trends. According to its report, FDI growth in non-EPZ areas was negative 14.1 percent in 2020. In the same year, FDI growth in EPZs reached 41.6 percent.

In 2021, FDI growth outside EPZs was 7.6 percent, while EPZs saw a 64.4 percent increase. Over the next two years, FDI growth in EPZs slowed down. In 2022 and 2023, EPZs recorded FDI growth rates of 2.4 percent and negative 0.9 percent, respectively. During those years, non-EPZ areas saw FDI growth of 22.9 percent and 4.1 percent. Most recently, in 2024, while FDI growth outside EPZs was negative 69 percent, EPZs still experienced 15.6 percent growth.

BEPZA began its journey in 1983 through the Chattogram Export Processing Zone. The organization claims this initiative opened new avenues for foreign investment and exports. Following ten years of proven success, the Dhaka EPZ was established in 1993. Subsequently, EPZs in Mongla, Cumilla, Ishwardi, Uttara, Karnaphuli, and Adamjee were launched. Additionally, the BEPZA Economic Zone in Mirsharai, which started in 2018, is now nearing completion.

The total area of the nine zones currently managed by BEPZA is 1,145 acres or 13.95 square kilometers, which is only 0.001 percent of the country’s total area. Within this small space, $7.08 billion has been invested, including over $5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI). Since 1983, exports have exceeded $119 billion, and employment has been created for more than 533,000 people.

BEPZA’s Executive Chairman, Major General Abul Kalam Muhammad Ziaur Rahman, said, “Compared globally, $7 billion in 45 years may not seem like a large amount. But the fact that one-sixth of the total FDI has come from just 0.001 percent of the country’s land—that is the true measure of our success.”

Last fiscal year, 17.3 percent of the country’s total exports came from 451 industrial units under BEPZA, amounting to $8.22 billion. Currently, investors from 38 countries operate in various BEPZA zones. The authority plans to reduce reliance on the garment sector and develop technology-driven and diversified industries to stay competitive in export markets.

BEPZA’s success is built on well-planned infrastructure, security, and services. Each zone has customs, banks, fire stations, police camps, medical centers, and modern communication systems. There are also canteens and free healthcare for workers. For their children, BEPZA runs public schools and colleges, offers subsidized education, and provides day care. EPZs have played a visible role in the socioeconomic transformation of workers.

Executive Chairman Major General Zia said, “We want to create an environment where investors focus solely on production, and we take care of everything else.”

BEPZA announced future plans and a roadmap that include new EPZs in Patuakhali and Jashore, and new zones in Gaibandha, Sirajganj, and Sylhet. The roadmap also includes expanding into markets beyond Europe and America, such as Japan, Australia, and Africa, along with automation and AI-based production.

BEPZA’s Executive Chairman believes improving port capacity and energy supply is critical for boosting investment in the country. He said, “If we can improve energy and ports, the investment index will advance significantly in one go.”