NARAYANGANJ, June 11, 2026 (BSS) - A high-level delegation of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee (ADC) today visited the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) highlighting growing interest in strengthening regional investment and industrial cooperation.

The 18-member delegation, led by Listyowati, Ambassador of Indonesia to Bangladesh and Chairperson of the ASEAN Dhaka Committee, comprised diplomats from eight ASEAN member states—Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, said a press release.

During the visit, the delegation toured manufacturing facilities of Singer Bangladesh Limited, where they observed production processes, use of modern technology, and employment generation activities.

 They also visited Art Nature Bangladesh Limited, a Japanese-invested export-oriented hair wig manufacturing company, gaining firsthand insight into its operations and export activities.

The delegation was later briefed at the BSEZ Conference Room on the zone’s development progress, investment incentives, infrastructure facilities, and Bangladesh’s broader investment climate.

 Discussions also focused on expanding industrial cooperation, attracting foreign investment, and enhancing regional economic connectivity.

Located on around 1,000 acres of land in Araihazar, Narayanganj, the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone is the country’s first government-to-government (G2G) economic zone, jointly developed by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) and Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation with support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). 

The project, involving an estimated investment of about TK  2,582 crore, includes land development, road construction, and utility infrastructure such as electricity and gas supply.

Officials said the zone is expected to attract around USD one billion in Japanese investment and contribute significantly to skills development, technology transfer, and the growth of a modern, environmentally sustainable industrial ecosystem. Several local and foreign investors have already begun construction, while three enterprises are currently in commercial production.

Speaking on the occasion, BEZA Executive Member (Investment Development) Saleh Ahmed said the visit by ASEAN diplomats would further strengthen economic and commercial ties between Bangladesh and ASEAN countries and open new avenues for investment.

He also noted that the government is ready to extend full support if any ASEAN member country wishes to establish similar G2G economic zones in Bangladesh, calling such initiatives important for industrialization, employment generation, and sustainable economic growth.