Photo: BSS

DHAKA, July 15, 2026 (BSS) - The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) contributed 17.51 percent to the country's total exports in fiscal year (FY) 2025-26, while achieving record success in attracting new investment proposals and generating employment despite global economic challenges.

According to BEPZA, exports from its zones reached US$ 8.41 billion during the fiscal year, accounting for 17.51 percent of Bangladesh's total exports of US$ 48 billion. In comparison, exports from BEPZA zones stood at US$ 8.22 billion in FY25, said a press release.

While the country's overall exports declined by 0.58 percent in FY26, exports from BEPZA-operated zones grew by 2.2 percent, highlighting the resilience of industries operating in the export processing zones.

BEPZA also secured a record US$ 717.71 million in proposed investments through lease agreements signed with 36 companies from China, South Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the British Virgin Islands, Samoa and Bangladesh.

 It described the figure as the highest investment commitment received in a single fiscal year.

The proposed industries are expected to create employment opportunities for 75,744 Bangladeshi nationals once they begin full commercial operations.

The new investment projects cover a wide range of diversified manufacturing sectors, including electrical and electronic products, drones, Bluetooth headphones, footwear, leather goods, light engineering products, processed food, agricultural products, camping equipment, household goods and fashion accessories.

BEPZA said continued expansion by existing foreign investors reflects growing confidence in its business-friendly environment.

 It cited China's Kaixi Group, which made an additional investment commitment of US$ 40.50 million after investing US$ 60.85 million in its first venture, Kaixi Lingerie Bangladesh.

The authority said actual investment, excluding working capital, reached US$ 286.46 million during FY26 through capital machinery, construction materials and other assets.

According to Bangladesh Bank data, BEPZA's net foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows totalled US$ 221.58 million during the first nine months of FY26 (July 2025-March 2026), accounting for 19.61 percent of the country's total FDI net inflows during the period.

Employment in BEPZA zones also reached a record high during the fiscal year. A total of 25,164 new jobs were created, raising cumulative employment from 533,527 at the end of June 2025 to 558,691 by the end of June 2026.

BEPZA said its diversified industrial base has helped reduce reliance on the readymade garment sector. Of the 451 operational enterprises, 33 percent are engaged in garment manufacturing, 18 percent in garment accessories and 8 percent in textiles, while the remaining 41 percent produce a broad range of diversified products.

Products manufactured in BEPZA zones are currently exported to 129 countries.

BEPZA now operates eight Export Processing Zones (EPZs) and the BEPZA Economic Zone. As of June 2026, cumulative investment in its zones stood at US$ 7.37 billion, while cumulative exports reached US$ 127.42 billion. 

Of the 566 industrial enterprises under BEPZA, 451 are in commercial operation and 115 are under implementation.