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) today 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.

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.

Senior officials of BEPZA and Handa Industries were present at the signing ceremony.