(BSS) - Cumilla Export Processing Zone (EPZ), established in 2000 to accelerate industrialization, investment, employment and exports, has emerged as one of the leading industrial hubs of Bangladesh, creating employment for around 50,000 people and setting a new record in exports this year.

Built on 267 acres of land with 243 industrial plots, Cumilla EPZ has achieved remarkable growth over the last 25 years.

In the 2024-25 fiscal year, goods worth about $902 million were exported from the zone to various countries, doubling its initial target of $400 million.

Forty six companies have provided employment to 50,000 people, which is making the local economy dynamic.

According to Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA), many foreign investors are interested in investing in Cumilla EPZ.

It can be seen on the ground that since dawn, the EPZ has been bustling with the busy movement of thousands of workers. The sound of machinery is adding to all the new stories of industry and export. It is breaking its own records.

BEPZA statistics show the zone`s consistent performance over the past five years: In 2020-2021 fiscal year: Investment $61.02 million; exports $565.85 million, in 2021-2022 fiscal year: Investment $67.46 million; exports $814.82 million, in 2022-2023 fiscal year: Investment $50.23 million; exports $790.94 million, in 2023-2024 fiscal year: Investment $24.49 million; exports $711.37 million and in 2024-2025 fiscal year: Investment $25.54 million; exports $901.22 million.

Despite global challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, Cumilla EPZ has made a strong recovery, with new orders and exports continuing to rise.

Around 66 percent of women work in the EPZ, which is bustling with the works of about 50,000 workers. The salary and allowance expenses of the workers here are about Tk 250 crore every month which is also boosting the local economy. Unemployment is decreasing.

Sabina Akhter, a resident of Debidwar upazila, who works at Shruti Textiles, said, "I have been working for 5 years. Now I am a senior operator. I am living comfortably with my family on my salary. I am educating my children."

Memong Marma, who works at Brandix Textiles from Lakshmichhari in Khagrachhari, said, "My wife and I are working here. I am providing money to my parents in the village, and I am living well with my family here."

According to BEPZA, various products including ready-made garments, shoes, electronics, plastics and fashion accessories are exported to the United States, Japan and European countries. At least 15 countries are involved in investment.

So far, companies from 15 countries have invested in Cumilla EPZ, with total investments reaching $613 million, while six more enterprises are now under implementation. Around 270 foreign officials are currently stationed at the EPZ.

However, since all the plots have been allotted, there is no opportunity to set up new industries.

Investors said that exports have increased in the post-COVID period with the help of BEPZA and the government. Currently, many are interested in investing.

However, they said that the travel of foreign buyers will be easier if the Cumilla airport is opened.

Abdullah Al Mahbub, Executive Director of Cumilla EPZ, said, "Currently, we do not have any vacant plots to allocate. However, those who are currently working and have invested are expanding in various ways. They are increasing new institutions and investments in the vacant areas that have already been allocated. As a result, employment is also increasing."

He expressed optimism that exports and jobs will continue to grow even if fresh investment slows due to space limitations.

Cumilla EPZ is very close to the Dhaka-Chattogram highway and is showing itself as a strong pillar of the national economy.

If it is possible to expand the plots, the possibility of foreign investment will increase as well as employment and export opportunities will increase.