Both offer serviced land and a package of approvals and incentives, but they sit under different authorities and frameworks. Economic zones, formerly administered by BEZA, now fall under Invest Bangladesh following the 2026 merger, and include public, private and government-to-government zones. EPZs are administered by BEPZA, which remains a separate authority with its own rules, including a distinct labour regime for zone enterprises. Lease terms, permitted activities, customs procedures and the services available differ between them. The better choice depends on the product, the export and domestic sales mix, the workforce plan and the investor's timetable for starting production.

Since 23 August 2026, Invest Bangladesh has carried the functions previously performed by BEZA, BIDA and the PPP Authority, so it is the main point of contact for investors in economic zones. BEPZA continues to handle EPZs and the Hi-Tech Park Authority continues to handle hi-tech parks. Transitional arrangements matter for existing investors whose leases, licences and incentive certificates were issued by BEZA. We check how those documents are treated under the new structure, which office handles amendments and renewals, and whether any new filings, notifications or board approvals are needed to keep the investment fully documented.

Not automatically. Fiscal incentives such as tax holidays and duty concessions generally come from tax and customs law and related government orders, which can change through the annual budget or new legislation. Some benefits also depend on conditions, such as export ratios, investment amounts or start-up deadlines. Before relying on incentives in a financial model, we identify the legal source of each one, its conditions and duration, and how the law treats existing investors if it changes. Where possible, we document the agreed position with the authority so that any later disagreements are easier to resolve.

It depends on the zone rules and the lease. Many zone leases restrict subletting, assignment and changes in use without prior consent, and some authorities require each operating enterprise to hold its own registration. Sharing warehouses, effluent treatment plants or utilities between group companies can be workable if structured properly. We review the lease and applicable rules, prepare a consent application with a clear explanation of the proposed arrangement, and draft intra-group agreements that allocate costs, liabilities and access rights, so that the arrangement does not put the main lease, incentives or bank security at risk.

Outside zones, a manufacturer typically assembles approvals from several bodies. These usually include confirmation of land title and permitted use, building permission from the relevant development authority or local body, environmental clearance from the Department of Environment, factory layout approval and a factory licence from DIFE, a fire licence, a trade licence, VAT and tax registrations, and utility connections. Some sectors need further product or industry licences. The order matters, because some approvals assume others are already in place. We map the sequence for the specific site and product before design or construction work begins on site.

Usually, yes, but consent from the zone authority or developer is commonly required, and the lease terms decide how effective that security will be. Lenders want to know whether they can step in, transfer the lease to a new operator on enforcement and continue receiving utilities. We review the lease and zone rules, advise on the mortgage or other security documents, and negotiate direct agreements or consents where needed. For borrowers, we aim to keep the lender's requirements manageable so that later expansion, refinancing or a sale of the business remains possible without having to renegotiate every security document.

Relocation is part property transaction, part regulatory exercise and part workforce project, and it needs one coordinated plan. The new site needs its approvals and construction in place, while the existing site has leases, licences, environmental and labour obligations that must be closed out properly. Machinery moved between sites may raise customs and bonded warehouse issues, and workers' rights on transfer or retrenchment need careful handling. We prepare a legal workplan that links the closing steps at the old site with the opening steps at the new one, so that production gaps and avoidable liabilities are kept to a minimum.

Delays to roads, gas, power, water or effluent treatment are a common and costly source of disputes in industrial projects. The first question is what the documents actually promise: many allotment letters and leases describe intended services without firm commitments or remedies. We review the lease, developer agreement and any correspondence, then advise on negotiation, rent or service charge adjustments, claims for losses and termination rights. If needed, our dispute resolution team pursues arbitration or court proceedings. For new projects, we push for clearer delivery obligations, dated milestones, service levels and practical remedies before the investor signs.