‘Mongla EPZ to be major economic hub in southern Bangladesh’

Mongla Export Processing Zone (EPZ) will become the key centre of economic activities in the southern region of Bangladesh, according to the executive chairman of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA). Maj Gen Md Habibur Rahman Khan said the investors of the Mongla EPZ will be able to enjoy the benefits of the Padma Bridge and Asian Highway as well as better and faster road communication system, not to mention a fully functional Payra Port, a rail link to Mongla Port, and an airport in the area, which has already been proposed. He was speaking as the chief guest at an investment seminar organised by Mongla EPZ authorities in Khulna on Tuesday. “The EPZ workers enjoy freedom to elect their representatives through forming Workers Welfare Association, which can work like trade unions to establish workers’ rights,” he said. Maj Gen Khan said BEPZA has been contributing 20% to the country’s total exports and during the last eight years had achieved 179.19% growth in investment, 216.57% in exports, 128.44% in employment generation and 40.50% in operation of new industries.