EPZs in Bangladesh play a important role to help and attract foreign investment as well as in involving local investment, which equally contribute to overall increase in the countries economy of exports and in its earnings of foreign currency. The focus discussion of this report is to explain Promotion of Export and Promotion of Diversification of Export also Generation of employment with development of backward and forward linkage. Finally describe transfer of technology and upgrade of skill to improve EPZ.
Introduction
In order to stimulate rapid economic growth of the country, particularly through industrialization, the government has adopted an Open Door Policy to attract foreign investment to Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) is the official organ of the government to promote, attract and facilitate foreign investment in the Export Processing Zones.
Two fully operating EPZs, one in Chittagong and the other near Dhaka have attacted a wide range of investors. Another four EPZs, one at Mongla, a southern port city of Bangladesh, one at Comilla, and unique place between Dhaka and Chittagong, one at ishwardi near the Jamuna Bridge and the fourth one at Nilphamari named Uttara EPZ near Syedpur Airport have already started operation. Other two EPZs Adamjee near Dhaka and karnaphuli in Chittagong are progressing fast for allotment of plot to investors.
According to BEPZA Act, the objectives of BEPZA are: (i) to foster and generate economic development of Bangladesh by encouraging and promoting foreign investments in a zones: (ii) to diversity the sources of foreign exchange earnings by increasing export of Bangladesh through a zone : (iii) to encourage and foster the establishment and development of industries and commercial enterprises in a zone in order to widen and strengthen the economic base of Bangladesh, and (iv) to generate productive employment opportunity and to upgrade labor and management skills through acquisition of advanced technology (GOB 1994). Meanwhile, Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ) and Dhaka Export Processing Zone (DEPZ) were established which started functioning in 1983/84 and respectively. Currently, Bangladesh has been promoting EPZ program more vigorously with the creation of four more EPZs in Mongla, Comilla, Ishwardi and Uttara (Nilphamari) with a heavy claim on scarce national resources inviting a serious study and debate, It is important to see whether further replication of the EPZs is worthwhile in terms of the national resources deployed and the role the existing EPZs play in expediting the process of industrialization in Bangladesh
Objectives of the study
The objective of the present paper is to examine whether the EPZs have been successful in achieving the desired goals as laid down in the, BEPZA Act and has contributed to the industrialization process of the country. Promotion of FDI & Local Investment
- Promotion of Export
- Promotion of Diversification of Export
- Generation of employment
- Development of Backward and Forward Linkage
- Transfer of Technology.
- Upgrade of Skill
- Development of Management
- Promotion of International Marketing.
Literature Review :
- Bangladesh Economic Survey
- Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies
- Board of Investment
- The survey of BEPZA
- The Survey of BGMEA
- Bangladesh Economic Survey
- Bureau of Bangladesh Statistics
Methodology :
The research paper is prepared by completely depending on secondary source that includes research report, review of books, journals and other secondary materials.
INVESTMENT CLIMATE
General Features
Bangladesh offers an unparalleled conductive investment climate compared to the other South Asian economics. Bangladesh is a largely homogenous society with no major internal or external tensions and a population with great resilience in the face of adversity (e.g. natural calamities). Bangladesh is a liberal democracy and mostly a one race and one religion country. The population of this country irrespective of race and religion have been living in total harmony and understanding for thousands of years. It enjoys broad non-partisan political support for maker oriented reform and offers the most investor friendly regulatory regime in South Asia. Bangladesh owns a trainable, enthusiastic, hardworking and low-cost (even by regional standards) labor force suitable for any labor-intensive industry.
Geographical location of the country is ideal for global trades with very convenient access to international sea and air route. Bangladesh is the bridge between ASEAN and SAARC nations. Bangladesh is endowed with abundant supply of natural gas, water and very fertile soil.
Although Bengali is the official language, English is widely spoken as second language, English is widely spoken as second language. Majority of even moderately educated population can read, write and speak in English.
As a result of low per capita GDP present domestic consumption is not significant, However, it may be considered that there exists a middle class with significant purchasing power. As economic growth picks up, the purchasing power will also grow substantially and in a country of more than 133.4 million people, even a small middle class may constitute a significant market.
Bangladeshi products other than armaments enjoy complete duty and quota free access to EU, Japan, Canada, Australia, Norway and most of the developed countries . However, for apparel export to USA, Bangladesh has a quota regime which is generally favorable.
Regulatory and Legal Framework
Investment in Bangladesh is well protected by law and by practice. Major laws related to foreign investment are:
- The Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection)Act of 1980
- The Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Act of 1980
- The Investment Board Act of 1989
- The Companies Act 1994
- The Bangladesh Private Export Processing Zones Act of 1996
- The Industrial Policy 1999
- The Import Policy Order 2003-2006
Bilateral Investment Agreements
The Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act 1980 induces a guarantee of fair and equitable treatment to foreign private investment. Such national treatment is also provided in bilateral investment treaties (BITs) for the promotion and protection of foreign investment which was concluded with 24 countries listed below.
1.Austria 2. Belgium 3. Canada 4. China 5. France 6. Germany 7. Indonesia 8. Iran | 9. Italy 10. Japan 11.Korea, DPR 12.Korea,Republic of 13. Malaysia 14. Pakistan 15. Poland 16. Romania | 17. Switzerland 18. The Netherlands 19.The Philippines 20. Turkey 21. Thailand 22. UK 23. USA 24. Uzbekistan |
REASONS FOR SETTING EPZ IN BANGLADESH
EPZ set up in Bangladesh due to various reasons Major reason among them is expedites export activities and stimulates rapid economic growth
These reasons are :
- stimulate rapid economic growth
- Enhance industrialization
- Adopted with Open door policy i.e. Globalization
- Attract foreign investment
- Provide special areas where potential investor would get congenial investment climate.
- Smooth export procedure, free from cumbersome procedures
- Development export promotion strategy
- More employment generation
- Development of export oriented industries
- Proper use of domestic available raw materials
THE BEPZA ACT- 1980
An Act for the establishment of the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority. Whereas it is expedient to make provision for the establishment of the Bangladesh export processing Zones Authority for creation, development, operation, management and control of Export Processing Zones and for matters connected therewith . It is hereby enacted as follows:
Short title and commencement:
(1) This Act may be called the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority Act, 1980,
(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Government may, by-notification in the official Gazette, appoint-
Definitions :
In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context
(a) ‘Authority’ means the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority established under section 3.
(b) Board means the Board of Governors of the Authority,
(c)Executive Board means the Executive Board of the Authority
(d) Executive Chairman means the Executive Chairman of the Board.
(e) Prescribed means prescribed by rules made under this Act. and
(f) Zone means a place or place or places to be specified by the Government under Section 10 as a Export Processing Zone for the purposes of setting up export- oriented industries .
EPZ AT A GLANCE
Type of Investment
Type- A 100% foreign owned including Bangladeshi nationals ordinarily resident in Abroad
Type – B Joint venture between foreign and Bangladeshi entrepreneurs resident in Bangladesh.
Type- C 100% Bangladeshi entrepreneurs resident in Bangladesh.
Mode of Investment
Investment in convertible foreign currencies by foreign investors, Option to establish public/ private Ltd. companies or sole proprietorship/ partnership concerns.
Investment Guarantee
Foreign Private Investment (Promotion and Protection) Act, 1980 secures all foreign investment in Bangladesh. OPIC’s (Overseas Private Investment Corporation, USA) insurance and finance programmes operable. Security and safeguards available under Multilateral investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA)of which Bangladesh is a member. Arbitration facility of the International Center for the Settlement of investment Dispute (ICSID) available.
Tele-communications
E-mail, internet, Fax ISD, NWD & Cellular services are abailabe.
BEPZA
-Issues import/Export permits
-Provides infrastructure facilities
-Offers One Window Same Day service
-Potential investors are required to deal only with BEPZA for investment and all other operational purposes.
Work Force
Bangladesh offers a substantial manpower reserve skilled, semi-skilled & un-skilled. BEPZA is vested with the responsibility to administer labour matters for matters for all its enterprises.
Average Monthly wages
Apprentice/ Trainee US $ 22.00
Unskilled US $ 38.00
Semi-skilled US $ 45.00
Skilled US $ 63.00
Other benefits include Conveyance Allowance, House Rent, Medical Allowance, Maternity Benefit, Festival Bonus and Overtime Benefit.
Working Hours
48 hours week in a factory
39 hours week in an office
Employees Leave
- 10 days casual leave in a year
- 17 days Earned leave in a year
- 14 days sick leave in a year
- 10 days Festival holiday in a year
Package of Incentives
FISCAL
- 10 years tax holiday
- Duty free import of construction materials
- Duty free import of machineries, office equipment & spare parts etc.
- Duty free import and export of raw materials and finished goods
- Relief from double taxation
- Exemption from dividend tax
- GSP facility available
- Duty free import of 2/3 vehicles
- Expatriates exempted from income tax for three years
- Accelerated depreciation on Machinery or plant allowed
- Remittance of Royalty, Technical and Consultancy Fees allowed
- Duty and Quota Free Access to EU, Canada, Norway, Australia etc.
NON-Fiscal
- 100% foreign ownership permissible
- Enjoy MFN status
- No ceiling on foreign and local investment
- Full repatriation of capital and dividend
- Foreign currency loan from abroad under direct automatic route
- Non-resident Foreign Currency Deposit (NFCD) Account permitted
- Operation of FC account by `B’ and `C’ type industries allowed
Facilities
- No UD. IRC and renewal of bond license
- Work permits issued by BEPZA
- Secured and protected bonded area
- Off –shore banking available
- Freedom from import and export policy restrictions
- Import on Documentary Acceptance (DA) basis
- Back to Back L/C
- Import and export on CM basis allowed
- Import form DTA (Domestic Tariff Area)
- 10% sale to DTA (Domestic Tariff Area)
- Customs clearance at factory site
- Simplified and hassle-free sanction procedure
- Sub-comtracting with export oriented industries inside and outside EPZ allowed
- Relocation of foreign industries allowed
- Resident ship and Citizenship
Infrastructure
- Basic infrastructure : electricity, water & gas
- Fully serviced plots available
- Factory building available on rental basis
- Enclave for workers Dormitory and Day Care Centre
- Warehouse/ godown available.
Support Services
Business : Courier, Fire Station, Post Office, C&F Agent, Shipping Agent, MTO etc.
Administrative : Commissariat, investors Club, Medical Centre, School and College, Public Transport etc.
Others : Customs Office, Police Station, Banks Restaurant, Health Club, Recreation Centre, Centre, In- house Security, Sports Complex, Exclusive Telephone Exchange, Electricity Sub-station .
Indicative List of Industries
Garments and Garments Accessories, Textiles Agro-based industries, Chemicals Backward and Forward linkage industries, Electrical equipment and components Electronic products, Software, optical goods, Woven and knitted fabrics, Engineering products, Leather products and Foot-wear, Toys Medical and Biological instruments, Pharmaceutical products, Plastic molded, products Industries based on new uses of jute, Cutting / Polishing of precious and semi precious stones, Household fittings and equipment, Head-wear Jeweler Homological instruments, Scientific measuring instruments, Aircraft instruments Laboratory ware, Printing and Publishing, Printing and copying equipment and accessories.
Chittagong Export Processing Zone
Location
South Halishahar 3.10 kms from the Sea Prot, 5.50 kms from the main business center, 7.21 kms from the Chittagong international Airport
Profile of Zone
Zone area : 183.37 hectares (453 acres)
Number of Industrial Polts. 428 Size of each plot : 2000 sqm
* Tariff : US$2.00/sqm/ year.
Space of Standard Factory building : 58244.98 sqm
* Tariff : US$ 2.50 sqm/ month.
Space of Warehouse : 2667.79 sqm
* Tariff : US$ 2.50/ sqm/ month
* Utility Service
Water Supply : From chittagong WASA Storage capacity : 7.26 million liters/ day
* Tariff : TK. 17.71/cu-m
* Gas Supply : From Bakhrabad Gas System Ltd.
* Tariff : TK 5.76/cu-m
Power Supply : 11 kv. 3phase, 50 cycles/sec
* Tariff : TK 3.98/kwh
Dhak Export Processing Zone
Location
Ganakbari, Savar, 5 kms from Dhaka city center, 25 kms from Zia International Airport 304 kms from chittagong sea port.
Profile of Zone
Zone area : 143.70 hectares (346.51acres).
Number of Industrial Plots : 388 size of each plot : 2000 sqm
*Tariff : US $ 2.00/ sqm/ year
Space of standard Factory Building: 79843.19 sqm
- Tariff : US $2.50/ sqm/month
- Space of Warehouse : 2356 sqm
- Tariff : US$ 2.50 sqm/month
Utility services
Water supply : Own water supply system
- Tafiff : TK. 17.71 / cu-m
- Gas supply : From Titas gas Field
- Tariff : TK. 5.76 /cu-m
- power Supply : 11 kv,3 phase, 50 cycles/sec
- Tariff : Tk. 4.18/ kwh
- Tariffs are subject to change from time to time .
MONGLA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE
Location
Mongla port area, Bagerhat, 105 kms from Jessore Airport, 397 kms from Dhaka and 664 kms from chittagong Sea Port
Profile of Zone
Zone area : 186.21 hectares (460 acres) Number of industrial Plots : 162 (first phase) size of each plot : 2000 sqm
Tariff : US $ 1.00/sqm/year.
Space of standard Factory Building : 18000 sqm
- Tariff : US $ 1.25/ sqm/month
- Utility Service
- Water Supply : Sweet water from public Health Engineering Department and own supply network.
- Tariff : TK. 17.71/ cu-m
- Gas Supply : From Shahabajpur Gas Field ( Proposed)
- Tariff : TK. 5.76 / cu-m
- Power Supply : 11kv. 3 phase, 50 cycles/sec
- Tariff : TK. 4.18 /kwh
COMILLA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE
Location
Comilla old Airport area. 167 kms from Chittagong Sea Port, 97 kms from Dhaka
Profile of Zone :
Zone area : 104.44 hectares (258 acres) Number of industrial Plots : 208 (first phase) size of each plot : 2000 sqm
Tariff : US $ 1.00/sqm/ year.
Space of standard Factory Building : 18000 sqm
- Tariff : US $ 1.25/ sqm/month
Utility Service
- Water Supply : own water supply system
- Tariff : TK. 17.71/ cu-m
- Gas Supply : From Bakhrabad Gas System Ltd.
- Tariff : TK. 5.76 / cu-m
- Power Supply : 11kv. 3 phase, 50 cycles/sec
- Tariff : TK. 4.18 /kwh
ISHWARDI EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE
Location
Pakshi, Pabna Pakshi Bridge through by pass road 3.7 kms, 10.60kms, from ishwardiAirport, 130 kms from Jamuna Bridge 280 kms from Dhaka 255 kms from Mongla Port, 110 kms from Rajshahi Airport and 412 kms from chitt agong Sea Port.
Profile of Zone
- Zone Area :124.99 hectares(308.77 acres)
- Number of Industrial Plots : 2000 sqm
- Tariff : US $ 1.00/ sqm / year
- Space of Standard Factory Building : 18000sqm
- Tariff :US $1.25 /sqm /month
Utility Services
- Water Supply :Own water supply system
- Tarrif:17.71 /cu-m
- Gas Supply :From Gas Transmission Company Ltd.
- Tariff : 5.76 / cu-m
- Power Supply : 11 kv, 3phase, 50 cycles/ second
UTTARA EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE
Location
Shongalshi, Nilphamari, 18 kms from syedpur Airport, 401 kms from Dhaka, 650 kms from Chittangong Sea Prot. 586 kms from Mongla Prot.
Profile of Zone
Zone area : 93.20 hectares (230.21 acres) Number of Industrial Plots : 155 (first phase Size of each plot : 2000sqm
Tariff : US $ 1.00/sqm/year
Space of Standard Factory Building : 18000 sqm
Utility Service
- Water Supply : Own Water supply system
- Tariff : TK. 17.71/cu-m
- Gas Supply : From Gas Transmission Company Ltd. (Western Zone Project, Proposed).
- Tariff : Tk 5.76/ cu-m
- Power Supply : 11kv, 3 phase, 50 cycles/sec
- Tariff : Tk. 4.18/ kwh.
ADAMJEE EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE
Location
Adamjee Nagar, Shiddirgonj, Narayanganj.15 kms from Dhaka city center, 40 kms from Zia International Airport, 255 kms from Chittagong Sea Port.
Profile of Zone
- Zone Area :118.62 hectares (293 acres)
- Number of Industrial Plot: 200 (60 in 1st phase)
- size of each Plot : 2000 sqm
- Tariff : US $ 2.00/ sqm / year
- Space of Standard Factory Building : 42737sqm
- Tariff :US $ 2.50//sqm /month
Utility Services
- Water Supply :Own water supply system
- Tarrif:17.71 /cu-m
- Gas Supply :From Titas Gas Field
- Tarrif:Tk 5.76 /cu-m
- Power Supply : 11 kv, 3 phase, 50 cycles/sec
- Tariff : 3.98/kwh.
KARNAPHULI EXPORT PROCESSING ZONE
Location
Chittagong Steel mill Area, North Patenga. 5.6 kms from Chittagong sea Port, 8 kms from main business centre of chittagong, 4.7 kms from chittagong international Airport.
Profile of Zone
- Zone Area :90.04 hectares (222.42 acres)
- Number of Industrial Plot: 211 (100 in 1st phase)
- size of each Plot : 2000 sqm
- Tariff : US $ 2.00/ sqm / year
- Space of Standard Factory Building : 2974 sqm
- Tariff : US $ 2.50//sqm /month
Utility Services
- Water Supply :From chittagongWASA & own supply by treatment plant.
- Tarrif:17.71 /cu-m
- Gas Supply :From Bakhrabad Gas system Ltd.
- Tarrif:Tk 5.76 /cu-m
- Power Supply : 11 kv, 3 phase, 50 cycles/sec
- Tariff : 3.98/kwh.
* Tariffs are subject to change from time to time.
PERFORMANCE OF INDUSTRIES UNDER EPZ
Most of the FDI (87%) have been brought by companies registered with the Board of Investment, the balance (13%) have been invested in companies registered with Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA)
Table: FDI Inflow in Bangladesh during 2005-Distribution by Regulatory Agencies (in Million US$)
FDI Components | BOI- Registered Entities 2005 | BEPZA- Registered Entities 2005 | Total FDI- 2005 | ||||
Jan-Jun | Jul-Dec | BOI Total | Jan-Jun | Jul-Dec | BEPZA Total | ||
a. Equity Capital | 242.7 | 168.1 | 410.8 | 9.6 | 5.2 | 14.8 | 425.6 |
b. Reinvested Earnings | 124.7 | 89.1 | 213.8 | 19.4 | 14.3 | 33.7 | 247.5 |
c. Intra- Company Loans | 51.4 | 58.5 | 109.9 | 33.9 | 28.4 | 62.3 | 172.2 |
Total | 418.8 | 315.7 | 734.5 | 63.0 | 47.8 | 110.8 | 845.3 |
Source : Bangladesh Bank Enterprise Survey, 2006.
Performance of Industries under Bangladesh Export Processing Zone Authority (BEPZA)
Table shows the number of industries, investment cost, manpower and export performance of the seven EPZs at Dhaka, Chittagong, Comilla, Mongla, Uttara, Ishwardi and Adamjee upto June 2006. 242 industrial units were operational in these seven zones with a total investment cost of US$ 979.46 million. A total 1,77,809 manpower has been employed in these industries. Besides, establishment of a total of 133 industrial units (32 in Chittagong EPZ 26 in Dhaka EPZ, 22 in Comilla EPZ, 14 Iswardi EPZ, 18 in Mongla EPZ, 6 in Uttara EPZ, 9 in Adamzee EPZ and 6 Karnaphuli EPZ) is underway . According to the project proposal, another 66.007 jobs will be created, once those industrial units are operationalised. During the FY 2005-06 commodities worth US$ 1830 million were exported from the mills and factories of EPZ, which accounted for 18 percent of national exports.
Table: Industries under Bangladesh Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and their Performance in terms of Investment and Employment Generations (Up to June 2006)
Goods | Number of Industries | Total Investment (Million US$) | Total Manpower |
Readymade Garments | 49 | 253.28 | 94,742 |
Electronics | 15 | 52.27 | 3,001 |
Textile goods | 26 | 239.23 | 20,158 |
Metal goods | 12 | 20.57 | 815 |
Leather goods | 12 | 52.36 | 5.280 |
Plastics goods | 13 | 21.24 | 1,025 |
Cap | 07 | 43.12 | 12,583 |
Terry towel | 16 | 34.89 | 4,491 |
knit textile | 21 | 84.28 | 19,028 |
Garment goods | 30 | 76.01 | 6,013 |
Others | 41 | 102.19 | 10,674 |
Total | 242 | 979.46 | 1,77,809 |
Source: (BEPZA).
Table: Annual Investment and Exports Status in EPZs located at Dhaka, Chittagong, Mongla, Comilla, Uttara, Ishwardi and Adamjee (1997-98 to 2005-06)
(Million US$)
EPZ | 1997-98 | 1998-99 | 1999-00 | 2000-01 | 2001-02 | 2002-03 | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | |
Dhaka | Total Invest | 26.24 | 35.50 | 19.80 | 24.06 | 32.01 | 59.14 | 49.36 | 51.35 | 61.57 |
Total Export | 185.64 | 259.57 | 364.73 | 447.51 | 466.76 | 554.79 | 66.60 | 757.73 | 912.30 | |
Chittagong | Total Invest | 42.59 | 36.11 | 15.18 | 24.30 | 22.37 | 42.14 | 55.43 | 45.31 | 35.95 |
Total Export | 450.41 | 452.12 | 526.09 | 620.36 | 680.70 | 641.28 | 679.01 | 772.39 | 873.03 | |
Mongla | Total Invest | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.05 | 0.43 | 0.11 | 0.80 | 1.49 | 0.00 |
Total Export | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 1.55 | 3.00 | 3.21 | 7.83 | 7.09 | |
Comilla | Total Invest | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.64 | 1.05 | 9.03 | 19.01 | 10.18 |
Total Export | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.01 | 1.15 | 4.10 | 9.66 | 34.99 | |
Uttara | Total Invest | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.16 | 0.20 | 0.42 | 0.72 | 0.00 |
Total Export | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | – | – | – | – | – | |
Ishwardi | Total Invest | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.10 | 0.50 | – | 0.05 | 0.76 |
Total Export | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | – | – | – | 1.09 | 2.542.54 | |
Adamjee | Total Invest | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | – | – | – | – | 4.00 |
Total Export | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | – | – | – | – | 0.23 | |
Total Investment | 68.83 | 71.61 | 34.98 | 48.41 | 55.71 | 103.14 | 115.05 | 118.52 | 112.46 | |
Total Export | 636.05 | 711.70 | 890.73 | 1067.91 | 1149.02 | 1200.22 | 1353.91 | 1548.68 | 1830.18 |
Source : (BEPZA) June, 2006.
EPZ : CONTRIBUTION TO ECONOMY.
Investors from 30 countries :
Types of investment (UPTO June, 2007)
A- 100% Foregn ownership 161 60%
B- Joint Venture 43 17%
C – 100% Local Venture 60 23%
Total in op 264 100%
U/IMP withla 102
Sanctioned ind 55
Table: SERVICE CHARGE UTILITIES
ZONE | ELECTRICITY (US$ / KWH) | GAS (US$ / CUM) | WATER (US$ / CUM) |
EPZ-Chittagong, EPZ- Ishwardi EPZ- ADAMJEE EPZ- KARNAPHULI | 0.05 | 0.08 | .025 |
EPZ-Dhaka EPZ- Comilla EPZ- Mongla EPZ- Uttara | 0.06 | 0.08 | 0.025 |
RATE INCLUDES SERVICE CHARGE
Table: Investment
INVESTMENT (UPTO JUNE 07) | |||
YEAR | Investment ($m) | YEAR | INV ($m) |
1994-1995 | 35.93 | 2001-2002 | 55.70 |
1995-1996 | 30.58 | 2002-2003 | 102.63 |
1996-1997 | 53.90 | 2003-2004 | 115.05 |
1997-1998 | 68.83 | 2004-2005 | 118.52 |
1998-1999 | 71.61 | 2005-2006 | 112.89 |
1999-2000 | 34.98 | 2006-2007 | 152.37 |
2000-2001 | 48.40 |
TOTAL INVESTMENT = $ 1132.26m
Table: Export (up to June 07)
EXPORT (UPTO JUNE 07) | |||
YEAR | Export ($m) | YEAR | Exp ($m) |
1994-1995 | 228.26 | 2001-2002 | 1077.02 |
1995-1996 | 337.02 | 2002-2003 | 1200.00 |
1996-1997 | 462.77 | 2003-2004 | 1354.00 |
1997-1998 | 636.05 | 2004-2005 | 1548.68 |
1998-1999 | 711.69 | 2005-2006 | 1836.18 |
1999-2000 | 890.81 | 2006-2007 | 2063.67 |
2000-2001 | 1067.87 |
Total Export : $ 13.90: 47m
TOTAL EXPORT = $ 13,903m
Table: Employment
EMPLOYMENT (UPTO JUNE 07)
| |||
YEAR | No. of EMPLOYE | YEAR | No of EMPL |
1994-1995 | 6,141 | 2000-2001 | 16,020 |
1995-1996 | 10,706 | 2001-2002 | 8,764 |
1996-1997 | 12,773 | 2002-2003 | 10,167 |
1997-1998 | 14,049 | 2003-2004 | 10,071 |
1998-1999 | 14,059 | 2005-2006 | 23,021 |
1999-2000 | 9,890 | 2006-2007 | 23,360 |
TOTAL : 2,01,169
Table: BEPZA’s CONTRIBUTION
TOWARDS TOTAL NATIONAL EXPORT towards National Export
BEPZA’s CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS TOTAL NATIONAL EXPORT | |||
YEAR | TOTAL EXPORT OF BANGALADESH | TOTAL EXPORT OF EPZ | % OF BEPZA;s CONTRIBUTION |
1994-1995 | 3473 | 228 | 6.56 |
1995-1996 | 3882 | 337 | 8.68 |
1996-1997 | 4418 | 463 | 10.48 |
1997-1998 | 5161 | 636 | 12.32 |
1998-1999 | 5313 | 712 | 13.40 |
1999-2000 | 5752 | 891 | 15.49 |
2000-2001 | 6467 | 1068 | 16.51 |
2001-2002 | 5986 | 1077 | 18.00 |
2002-2003 | 6548 | 1200 | 18.33 |
2003-2004 | 7603 | 1354 | 17.80 |
2004-2005 | 8655 | 1549 | 17.90 |
2005-2006 | 10526 | 1836 | 17.44 |
Table: Productivity Performance of EPZ Workers
During 2005-2006 the export performance of EPZ workers in textile cluster stands US$ 10147.00 per worker whereas export performance of one DTA worker in the same sector recorded US$ 4389. Therefore , EPZ workers productivity performance is 2.3 times than the DTA workers | ||||||
Sector | DTA | EPZ | ||||
Empl (Nos) | Export US$ m | Exp/Empl US$ | Empl (Nos) | Export US$ m | Exp/Empl US$ | |
Textile Cluster | 18,00,000 | 7901 | 4389 | 162766 | 1651.599 | 10147 |
Total Export | Bangladesh
| $10526 m | 100% |
EPZ | $1835 m | 17.43% | |
Bangladesh
| $7901 m | 100% | |
RMG & knit Export | EPZ | $ 1652 m | 20.40% |
Table: PRODUCT WISE ENTERPRISES (UP TO JUNE 07)
PRODUCT WISE ENTERPRISES (UP TO JUNE 07) | ||||
Sl | Product | Unit | Investment. US$ | Employ ment (Nos.) |
1 | Garments | 58 | 291.062 | 112,421 |
2 | Textile | 28 | 281.774 | 21,946 |
3 | Terry Towel | 16 | 38.555 | 5,810 |
4 | Knit & Other Textile | 25 | 111.431 | 22,181 |
5 | Garments Accs | 32 | 120.948 | 7,609 |
6 | Caps | 6 | 40.735 | 9,148 |
7 | Tent | 5 | 23.623 | 4,856 |
8 | Elec & Electronics | 16 | 52.647 | 3,263 |
9 | Footware & Leather | 12 | 52.559 | 6,263 |
10. | Metal Product | 11 | 21.247 | 873 |
11. | Plastic Goods | 14 | 21.433 | 856 |
12. | Paper product | 2 | 0.837 | 124 |
13. | Fishing Real & Golf | 1 | 31.480 | 628 |
14. | Rope | 2 | 6.134 | 377 |
15. | Service oriented industries | 3 | 5.440 | 470 |
16. | Agro product | 10 | 2.960 | 132 |
17. | Miscellaneous | 22 | 29.051 | 4,195 |
Gr. Total | 264 | 1132.26 | 2,01,169 |
Table: ZONE Wise Statistics (Up to June 2007)
ZONE Wise Statistics (Up to June 2007) | |||||
EPZ | Industry | Investment (US$ in M) | Export (US$ in M) | Employment (No) | |
In op. (No) | U/impl. (No) | ||||
Chittagong EPZ | 135 | 30 | 541.44 | 7,873.07 | 116,984 |
Dhaka EPZ | 91 | 23 | 508.44 | 5,894.86 | 74,386 |
Comilla EPZ | 16 | 23 | 61.95 | 95.91 | 6,105 |
Mongla EPZ | 12 | 22 | 3.31 | 23.98 | 260 |
Uttara EPZ | 03 | 03 | 2.74 | 0.08 | 1,397 |
Ishwari EPZ | 03 | 14 | 0.81 | 5.86 | 47 |
Adamjee EPZ | 03 | 19 | 11.68 | 9.69 | 1,816 |
Karnaphuli EPZ | 1 | 19 | 1.91 | – | 174 |
Total | 264 | 157 | 1132.26 | 13,903.47 | 2,01,169 |
Table: ANNUAL ECONOMIC BENEFIT FROM EPZs
2003-04. 2004-05 & 2005-06
ANNUAL ECONOMIC BENDFIT FROM EPZs 2003-04. 2004-05 & 2005-06 Taka in Crore | ||||||
Performance | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | |||
Export (Equ. BDT) | 7821.73 | 9245.86 | 12848 | |||
particulars of Exp | Amount | %Exp | Amount | %Exp | Amount | %Exp |
Wages | 450 | 5.75 | 544 | 5.88 | 673 | 5.23 |
Rental | 70 | 0.89 | 79 | 0.85 | 92 | 0.71 |
Utiliti | 139 | 1.78 | 145 | 1.57 | 172 | 1.33 |
Sv. Charge | 321 | 4.10 | 390 | 4.22 | 541 | 4.21 |
DTA Goods | 2162 | 27.64 | 2353 | 25.45 | 3338 | 25.98 |
Admn. Exp | 200 | 2.56 | 252 | 2.73 | 351 | 2.73 |
Telecom. | 60 | 0.71 | 70 | 0.76 | 78 | 0.60 |
Surplus Retained by Local investors | 110 | 1.41 | 212 | 2.29 | 294 | 2.28 |
Total | 3512 | 44.90 | 4045 | 43.75 | 5539 | 43.07 |
RECOMMENDATIONS:
For polices encouraging firms to operate in the EPZs the key factors are :
- A clear foreign investment policy regime
- An open door policy to attract foreign investment
- Restriction-free and duty free access to imported inputs and capital goods
- Rapid and low cost customs clearance for imports and exports
- A Completely liberalized foreign exchange regime
- Speedy response of BEPZA
- Minimum regulatory control of actions and transaction within the EPZ.
- Maintain a satisfactory law and order situation.
- Reduction of lead time.
Conclusion :
EPZs in Bangladesh play a significant role in attracting foreign direct investment as well as in involving local investment, which jointly contribute to an overall increase in the countries volume of exports and in its earnings of foreign exchange. Foreign exchange earned through exports by EPZ enterprises reduces deficits in the country balance of payments. A part of it is converted into local currency to be spent on procurement of goods and services from the local economy. BEPZA’s contribution to national export was 2.69% in 1990-91 and 17.44% 2005-2006.
The two EPZs provide employment to about 2,01,169 Bangladeshi workers. As the average family size in the country is 6 members, with only one earning member in a family, these 2,01,169 workers earn livelihood for more than 1.2 milllion people. In most cases, foreign investment in EPZs accompanied by utilisation of advanced technology and provides an opportunity for the local workforce to acquire new skills. The trained workers also help expedite transfer of technology.
Areas where EPZs have been established have become special growth centers in the economy of Bangladesh as a result of organized and fast development of infrastructure including roads, electricity gas, water supply, telecommunication, fire brigade, post office etc. The private sector around the EPZ areas have come up with support investments in shopping centers and market , transport agencies, accommodation and recreation facilities etc, which have accelerated the pace of economic activities. In addition to provision of services to the community associated with EPZs , the private sector has also sets up linkage industries nearby EPZs to cater to the needs of industries within them. Many EPZ enterprises have shifted their manufacturing processes of part of a process outside EPZ under subcontracting.
The EPZs in Bangladesh have been instrumental in creating salutary direct benefits in terms of flow of foreign investment, employment generation, export and foreign exchange earnings, and value added. Limited indirect benefits in terms of technology and skill transfer, and linkages have taken place. Most important factors affecting the success of the EPZs in Bangladesh are : (i) the existing macroeconomic policies affecting the EPZs (ii) a more or less realistic exchange rate and stable macroeconomic environment, and (iii) low-cost labor.
A critical limitation of the EPZs is that they accommodate only the light industries with no room for heavy industries, which are the main vehicles of technology and skill transfer. EPZs are essentially an incomplete package in the overall industrialization process underlining the importance of interfacing the EPZ policies with the DTA policies in order to ensure synergic co-existence and growth of ether Wipes and the Data so that they can be made mutually reinforcing in accelerating industrialization process and maximizing national benefits.