DHAKA, May 8, 2026 (BSS) - A high-level 16-member delegation from Kenya has concluded a five-day diplomatic and technical mission to Bangladesh aimed at strengthening strategic cooperation in the development and management of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and port infrastructure.

The visit, held from May 3 to May 7 under the facilitation of the JICA Kenya office, focused on exchanging institutional knowledge, operational experiences, and best practices to support industrial growth, logistics efficiency, and investment promotion through enhanced bilateral cooperation, said a press release today.

The delegation comprised senior officials from the Mombasa Special Economic Zone and the Kenya Ports Authority. 

The mission was led by Dr. Kenneth Chelule Langat, Chief Executive Officer of the Special Economic Zone Authority, and William Kipkemboi Rutto, Managing Director of the Kenya Ports Authority.

During the visit, the delegation toured several strategic industrial and maritime facilities across the country. 

At the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone in Araihazar, Narayanganj, the officials closely observed the infrastructure and management framework of the Japanese Economic Zone. 

The team also visited the operational facilities of Chattogram Port and reviewed the industrial ecosystem of the Chattogram Export Processing Zone (CEPZ).

In addition to field visits, the delegation participated in a series of institutional exchange programmes at the headquarters of the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA). 

They also attended a coordination meeting with the Maheshkhali Matarbari Integrated Development Authority at the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) office.

During technical sessions at the BEZA office, presided over by Executive Member (Investment Development) Saleh Ahmad, the Kenyan officials were briefed on the country's ongoing industrial transformation initiatives and efforts to attract foreign direct investment through specialized infrastructure and improved port connectivity.

The discussions highlighted Bangladesh's experiences in implementing major development projects, managing industrial zones, and creating investor-friendly policies. 

In return, the Kenyan delegation shared detailed insights into the operational structure, progress, and administrative systems of Kenya's own economic zones and port facilities.

Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of policy coordination, logistics management, and institutional support in building sustainable economic hubs capable of attracting long-term investment.

Seeking practical exposure beyond formal discussions, the delegation also undertook extensive on-site observations of industrial operations, logistics systems, and investor support services. 

The officials examined how port facilities, industrial services, and administrative coordination are integrated to support industrialization and export-oriented growth.

BEZA expressed optimism that the visit would strengthen economic ties between Bangladesh and Kenya and pave the way for future collaboration in the development of special economic zones and port management. 

Officials noted that the exchange programme could open new opportunities for bilateral cooperation and contribute to enhancing the economic resilience and industrial competitiveness of both countries.