The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (Bepza) has solidified its vital role in the nation’s export sector, accounting for 17.03% of Bangladesh’s total exports in the fiscal year 2024–25, up from 15.9% the previous year. During this period, the country exported goods worth US $ 48.28 billion, with Bepza-administered zones contributing US $ 8.22 billion, a 16.22% increase compared to the previous year.
The growth in export earnings has been accompanied by significant job creation, with over 33,000 new employment opportunities generated within the zones. As of June 2025, the total workforce across eight EPZs and the Bepza Economic Zone reached 533,527, up from 500,110 a year earlier, driven by expansion and new business entries.
Since its inception, Bepza has facilitated exports totaling approximately US $ 119 billion, with products manufactured in its zones reaching more than 120 countries worldwide.
Investment activity also saw notable developments, with enterprises investing US $ 292.77 million in machinery, construction materials, and fixed assets during FY 2024–25. Although this figure marks a slight decline from the previous year’s US $ 350.93 million, Bepza regards this as a temporary adjustment amid ongoing global and local economic fluctuations. The authority remains optimistic about renewed investment momentum in upcoming quarters.
A major highlight of the year was the signing of 33 new investment agreements with firms from China, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the British Virgin Islands, Singapore, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Bangladesh. These agreements, totaling proposed investments of US $ 497.48 million, are expected to generate around 59,408 jobs for Bangladeshi workers. The new projects will focus on manufacturing a wide array of products, including ready-made garments, electronics, agro-based goods, footwear, leather products, packaging materials, tents, wigs, light engineering items, toys, and composite materials.
Once operational, these investments are projected to enhance actual inflows and further strengthen Bepza’s contribution to Bangladesh’s export performance in FY2025–26.
