Staff Correspondent: Handa (Bangladesh) Garments Co. Ltd., a Chinese apparel manufacturer, is set to invest US$ 41.33 million in the BEPZA Economic Zone (BEPZA EZ) located at Mirsarai, Chattogram.
To this end, the Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA) yesterday signed an agreement with the company at a function at the BEPZA Complex in the city, said a press release.
BEPZA Executive Chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman witnessed the signing ceremony.
Md Ashraful Kabir, Member (Investment Promotion) of BEPZA, and Heng Zeli, Chairman of Handa (Bangladesh) Garments Co. Ltd., signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations.
As per the agreement, the company will annually manufacture 72.10 million pieces of T-shirts, vests, polo shirts, overcoats, jackets, suits, baby garments, dressing gowns, and other apparel items, creating employment opportunities for 10,112 Bangladeshi nationals.
Welcoming the investment, the BEPZA Executive Chairman said, “Thank you for choosing Bangladesh, especially BEPZA Economic Zone, as your investment destination. This is going to be a large apparel project. We hope to hand over the land as soon as possible so that construction can begin without delay.”
He assured Handa of BEPZA’s full cooperation, saying, “From now on, our team is available 24/7 to provide any support. If you face any issues with agencies like Bangladesh Bank, NBR, or the Department of Environment, please let us know – we will do our best to resolve them.”
He also urged the company to prioritize worker welfare, saying, “Bangladeshi workers are hardworking and peace-loving. All they need is a little care. Please ensure your HR team makes them feel valued and respected.”
Han Chun, Chairman of Handa Industries, expressed his gratitude to BEPZA and said, “After long preparation, we’ve finally signed the agreement. Now we aim to begin factory construction very soon. We want to bring our plan from paper to reality.”
Emphasized their vision of building a digital, automated factory, he said, “We are not here only for low-cost labor – we are bringing advanced technology and sustainable systems to Bangladesh.”
“We will build strong local teams for design, development, and technical operations. Eventually, our Bangladeshi staff will connect directly with our Japanese and European buyers,” he added. He also noted that Bangladeshi workers joining Handa may get opportunities to work in Hainan, China, under their global network.
So far, 43 companies, including Handa (Bangladesh) Garments, have signed investment agreements with BEPZA EZ, with a total proposed investment of US$ 983.48 million. Five industries have already started commercial production, four more are set to begin soon, and 22 factories are under construction. Handa’s commitment marks another significant milestone in transforming the zone into a hub for diversified, high-value industries.
Senior officials of BEPZA and Handa Industries were present at the signing ceremony.
