National Special Economic Zone

The industrial city is under development on approximately of land spanning three upazilas (sub-districts): Mirsarai and Sitakunda in Chittagong District, and Sonagazi in Feni District, formed from consolidating their respective economic zones. It is situated at the mouth of the Feni River, along of coastline of Sandwip channel in the Bay of Bengal. of land had already been acquired by the BEZA by June 2024. == Development ==

The project is estimated to require a total investment of for construction. The World Bank has provided a loan of , while the remaining is being funded by the government. The objective of the project is to transform the industrial city into a self-sustaining, globally competitive industrial hub, complete with seaports, railway and road networks, power facilities, waterfront promenades, and residential zones. Additionally, plans include the establishment of five-star hotels, tourist destinations, parks, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and universities within the area. Approvals have been granted for 152 units within the zone, allocating over acres of land to companies that are collectively investing billion. These companies have proposed investments over billion, anticipating the creation of employment for 775,228 people. A $1.13 billion project is also planned to improve multimodal logistics by 2030. In the same month, the authority has presented a 20-year master plan for developing the economic zone in three phases. == Industries ==

The project area encompasses several specialized zones, notably a 500-acre zone designated for the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Additionally, various other industries are planned to be established within the region, including agro-products and agro-processing machinery, integrated textiles, leather and leather products, shipbuilding, motorbike accessories, food and beverages, paints and chemicals, paper and related products, plastics, light engineering, and pharmaceutical industries. == Issues ==

As of February 2024, investors in the economic zone face gas and water shortages, hindering industrial operations. A project to address water scarcity from the Meghna River is underway, expected by 2027. Entrepreneurs in the industrial city also struggle with recruitment, primarily due to housing and transportation issues, exacerbating the scarcity of labor. == See also ==