C T Online Desk: Construction of the long-awaited Chinese Economic and Industrial Zone (CEIZ) in Chattogram officially began on Monday, with Chinese Ambassador Yao Wen describing the project as a major outcome of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s recent visit to China.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Chattogram, Ambassador Yao said the CEIZ would strengthen Bangladesh’s industrial and supply chains, boost export capacity and create employment opportunities for local people.

He reaffirmed China’s commitment to working closely with Bangladesh to ensure the efficient construction of the economic zone, attract more high-quality Chinese enterprises and develop the project into a flagship of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.

More than 300 people attended the ceremony, including Finance and Planning Minister Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, local representatives, Chinese business executives and journalists.

Following the ceremony, Ambassador Yao met representatives of Chinese companies planning to establish operations in the economic zone.

Bangladeshi officials described the CEIZ as a flagship investment project that is expected to attract substantial foreign direct investment (FDI), accelerate industrialisation and deepen Bangladesh-China economic cooperation. They expressed optimism that the zone would help address development challenges while generating employment and promoting sustainable economic growth.