100 economic zones to be set up in 15 years

The government has set an ambitious target of setting up 100 economic zones in the next 15 years, said the finance minister in his budget speech today.

These zones will increase Bangladesh's exports by $40 billion and create employment of one crore people, Finance Minister AMA Muhith expressed his hope.

Bangladesh cannot avail big investments from countries like Japan, China, South Korea and India for want of land.

To change this scenario, the government has recently approved establishment of 30 public and private economic zones across the country.

Two economic zones have already been earmarked for Japanese and Chinese investors.

"We are actively considering another such zone for India," the minister said.