Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority

The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) ( ) is an agency of the Government of Bangladesh and is administered under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister&s;s Office. Its objective is to manage the various export processing zones in Bangladesh. BEPZA currently oversees the operations of eight export processing zones (EPZ). A ninth zone is scheduled to open in the future. Recently government has announced that in 15 years 100 new EPZ and SEZ will be established. Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, ndc, psc is the current Executive Chairman of BEPZA. The Government provides numerous incentives for investors for opening factories in EPZs. For example, new factories enjoy tax holidays for 5 years. Also, labour unions and other activities that are often viewed detrimental to productivity, are banned inside the EPZs. In order to stimulate rapid economic growth of the country, particularly through industrialization, the government has adopted an &s;Open Door Policy&s; to attract foreign investment to Bangladesh. The BEPZA is the official organ of the government to promote, attract and facilitate foreign investment in the EPZs. Besides, BEPZA as the competent Authority performs inspection &a; supervision of the compliances of the enterprises related to social &a; environmental issues, safety &a; security at work place in order to maintain harmonious labour-management &a; industrial relations in EPZs. The primary objective of an EPZ is to provide special areas where potential investors would find a congenial investment climate free from cumbersome procedures. Bangladesh&s;s export revenue in FY23 is $55.55 billion, the highest amount ever.