Chinese Envoy Says CEIZ Groundbreaking Marks Key Outcome of Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman's China Visit

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen has described the groundbreaking of the Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram as a significant step toward implementing the outcomes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's recent visit to China.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday, Ambassador Yao said the economic zone would strengthen Bangladesh's industrial and supply chains, enhance export capacity, and create employment opportunities for local people. The information was released in a press statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka.

"The groundbreaking of the CEIZ is an important step in implementing the outcomes of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's visit to China," Yao said during his address.

He added that China is ready to work closely with Bangladesh to accelerate the construction of the economic zone, attract more high-quality Chinese enterprises to invest in the project, and develop CEIZ into a landmark initiative under high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

As part of his visit to Chattogram, Ambassador Yao also met with representatives of Chinese companies interested in establishing operations in the economic zone.

More than 300 people attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including Finance and Planning Minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun.

Local dignitaries, members of the public, representatives of Chinese companies, and journalists also participated in the event.

Bangladeshi officials described the CEIZ as a priority project aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and accelerating the country's industrialization. They expressed optimism that the economic zone would further expand practical cooperation between Bangladesh and China, help overcome development challenges, and deliver tangible economic benefits to local communities.