Naf_Tourism_Park

Naf Tourism Park

Naf Tourism Park

Special economic zone in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh

Naf Tourism Park is a proposed economic zone in Jaliardwip island, Cox's Bazar.[1] Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) is developing this as part of its plan to develop 100 special economic zones throughout the country.[2] The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the project on 6 May 2015.[3] As of 2023, construction work on the project has been indefinitely halted due to objections raised by Myanmar regarding the dredging of sand from the nearby Naf river. Consequently, BEZA has reached out to China, requesting investment and the appointment of a new contractor to facilitate the resumption of construction activities.[4]

Jaliardwip

Location

Naf Tourism Park will be located in the Jaliardwip island which is situated in the middle of the Naf river that divides Myanmar and Bangladesh. The project's location is characterized by its diversity and multifaceted features, offering scenic views of hills and the river.[1]

Construction

The Department of Environment (DoE) has provided environmental clearance for the development of the Tourism Park. A feasibility study was carried out by the UNICONSULT, a German based consultancy firm. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) and socio-economic impact assessment (SIA) was done by PricewaterhouseCoopers.[5] The government has asked for bid for building various infrastructure for the tourists.[2][6]

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone of the project on 6 May 2017.[7]

On 12 September 2018, Siam Siam International of Thailand signed an agreement with Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) to invest around $500 million for the infrastructure development. The development of the park will be done in phases in the next five years.[8][9]

There are plans to build an 8.5-km long cable car connection to link the island with nearby Sabrang Tourism Park.[10]

Environmental concerns

A group of environmentalists raised objections to the development of the project citing its status as a sanctuary of many animals.[6]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    "Naf Tourism Park (Jaliardwip) «  BEZA". www.beza.gov.bd. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  2. [2]
    "Building tourism park faces challenges". The Daily Star. 2016-09-07. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  3. [3]
    "Public Private Partnership Authority Bangladesh". www.pppo.gov.bd. Archived from the original on 2017-11-17. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  4. [4]
    Rahman, Arifur (2023-06-22). "Myanmar's objection halts work on Naf Tourism Park". Prothom Alo. Retrieved 2024-02-27.
  5. [5]
    "Tourism park planned on island in Naf River". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  6. [6]
    "Modern tourism park to be set up on Jaliardip in Teknaf". The Asian Age. Dhaka. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  7. [7]
    "PM to open 17 projects in Cox's Bazar on Saturday". Dhaka Tribune. Retrieved 2018-02-11.
  8. [8]
    "Thai co to invest $500mn in Naf Tourism Park". Daily Sun. Retrieved 2019-02-16.
  9. [9]
    "Naf Tourism Park to create 12,000 employments". The Financial Express. Dhaka. Retrieved 2019-02-16.
  10. [10]
    "Sabrang Tourism Park plans a foreigners-only zone". The Business Standard. 2023-12-30. Retrieved 2024-02-29.

20.915°N 92.279°E / 20.915; 92.279
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