Cumilla Export Processing Zone

Comilla Export Processing Zone (Bengali: কুমিল্লা রপ্তানি প্রক্রিয়াকরণ অঞ্চল, abbreviated as CEPZ) is a Special Economic Zone of Bangladesh, located in the eastern city of Bangladesh, Cumilla.^[2]

Cumilla Export Processing Zone

Gateway to the zone
Native name	কুমিল্লা রপ্তানি প্রক্রিয়াকরণ অঞ্চল
Company type	Export Processing Zone
Industry	Industrial / Export Manufacturing
Founded	2000 (25 years ago)
Founder	Government of Bangladesh
Number of locations	Cumilla
Products	Textiles, Leather Goods, Food Products, Electronics
Services	Export-oriented manufacturing services
Number of employees	50,086[1]
Parent	Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA)
Website	Cumilla EPZ Official Website

History

Establishment

The Cumilla Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) was established in 2002 as part of a government initiative to promote export-led economic growth in Bangladesh. It was created to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) and facilitate industrialization in the region.

Development

Since its inception, the CEPZ has experienced significant growth, attracting numerous local and foreign companies. Infrastructure improvements have also played a crucial role in its development, contributing to its status as a key industrial hub in the region.

Industries

The CEPZ hosts a variety of industries, including:

• Textile and garments manufacturing.
• Leather goods production.
• Food processing units.
• Electronics and other manufacturing sectors.

Objectives

• To attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
• To promote export-oriented manufacturing.
• To create employment opportunities in the region.
• To enhance Bangladesh's overall industrial capacity.

Operations

The CEPZ operates primarily in the export manufacturing sector, hosting a variety of industries including textiles, leather goods, food processing, and electronics. It provides a conducive environment for businesses to operate and export their products.

Economic impact

The CEPZ has made significant contributions to the local and national economy by:

• Generating substantial export revenue.
• Creating thousands of jobs for local workers.
• Contributing positively to the country's GDP through industrial output.

Governance

The Cumilla Export Processing Zone is managed by the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), which oversees the administration and operations of all export processing zones in the country. BEPZA implements policies to support and regulate the zone's activities.

Challenges

Despite its successes, the CEPZ faces several challenges:

• Infrastructure issues, including traffic congestion and the need for ongoing maintenance.
• Competition from other export processing zones in Bangladesh and the region.
• Regulatory challenges regarding compliance with international standards.

Future prospects

The CEPZ aims to expand its facilities and attract new investments in the coming years. It focuses on sustainable industrial practices and the diversification of industries to remain competitive in the global market.