Bangladesh's first Japanese-backed industrial park nears launch

Sumitomo-led project gives manufacturers a foothold in underdeveloped market

The Bangladesh Special Economic Zone will be the first in the country with world-class infrastructure, according to lead developer Sumitomo. (Photo courtesy of Sumitomo Corp.)

TATSURO MIYAZUMI and RYOSUKE HANADA, Nikkei staff writers

August 16, 2022 08:17 JST

TOKYO/NEW DELHI -- The first industrial park developed and operated by Japanese players in Bangladesh is on track to open this year, serving as a hub for overseas manufacturers looking to tap the South Asian country's 170 million consumers.

The Bangladesh Special Economic Zone, led by Japanese trading house Sumitomo, is about 20 kilometers east of the capital, Dhaka -- within commuting distance of a key market of around 20 million people.