Handa (Bangladesh) Garments Company Limited, a Chinese apparel manufacturer, is set to invest $41.33 million in BEPZA Economic Zone located at Mirsarai in Chattogram, said a press release.
Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority member (investment promotion) Md Ashraful Kabir and Handa (Bangladesh) chairperson Heng Zeli signed an agreement in this regard on Wednesday at BEPZA Complex in the capital.
Among others, BEPZA executive chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman was present.
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, BEPZA executive chairman Major General Abul Kalam Mohammad Ziaur Rahman assured Handa of the BEPZA鈥檚 full cooperation, stating, 鈥楩rom 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 鈥� we will do our best to resolve them.鈥�
He also urged the company to prioritise worker welfare, saying, 鈥楤angladeshi workers are hardworking and peace-loving. All they need is a little care. Please ensure your HR team makes them feel valued and respected.鈥�
Han Chun, chairman of Handa Industries, expressed his gratitude to BEPZA and said, 鈥楢fter long preparation, we鈥檝e finally signed the agreement. Now we aim to begin factory construction very soon. We want to bring our plan from paper to reality.鈥�
He emphasised their vision of building a digital, automated factory, stating, 鈥榃e are not here only for low-cost labour 鈥� we are bringing advanced technology and sustainable systems to Bangladesh.鈥�
鈥榃e will build strong local teams for design, development, and technical operations. Eventually, our Bangladeshi staff will connect directly with our Japanese and European buyers,鈥� he added.
He also noted that Bangladeshi workers joining Handa might get opportunities to work in Hainan, China, under their global network.
Senior officials of the BEPZA and Handa Industries were present at the signing ceremony.