BICF -Econ Zones

completed

The project supports the development of economic zones (EZs) by improving the regulatory framework and institutions for establishing new zones in Bangladesh. Specific actions include establishing an Economic Zones Regulatory Authority or proxy, drafting standards for environmental and social compliance in EZs, developing and implementing a monitoring/enforcement mechanism for environmental and social compliance, and providing zone-specific capacity-building support. Objectives include: 1) three private EZs licensed by June 2010; 2) at least two EZs licensed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model by 2010; 3) all new EZs established according to due diligence and commercial principles (cost-recovery basis) by 2010; 4) 20 percent of all services (effluent treatment plant, electric power, water distribution, security, schools, and health) provided to EZs under PPPs by 2010; and 5) 60 percent of firms in EZs compliant with EZ labor and environmental standards by 2010.