Export Processing Zones and Economic Growth: Bangladesh Perspective

Abstract

This paper focuses on the significance of Export Processing Zones
(EPZs) and tends to highlight the impact of EPZs’ export and investment on
economic growth of Bangladesh. Findings show that, 499 enterprises are
presently conducting their business operations in Bangladesh among which
56.71% are fully owned by foreign investors. Following the fact, BEPZA’s
contribution to economic growth has increased and export amount ranges
between 16-17% of the total national export. Covering the time-series data from
FY 1996-97 to 2015-16 (20 years), empirical result also confirms the existence
of positive relationship between the independent variables (export and
investment) and dependent variable, economic growth.