Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today inaugurated the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ), known as Japanese economic zone, at Araihazar in Narayanganj.

"Bangladesh is the most ideal place for investment in the world. It has excellent investment environment. We have provided all types of facilities here," the premier said after inaugurating the economic zone virtually from Gono Bhaban.

Sheikh Hasina further said the government will allot plots for women entrepreneurs from the economic zone.

Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (Beza) and BSEZ jointly organised the inaugural programme at Araihazar where Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naok and President and CEO of Sumitomo Corporation Masayuki Hyodo were also present.

In his inaugural speech, Beza Executive Chairman Shaikh Yusuf Harun said around 40 companies, including 30 from Japan, have shown their interest for investment in the zone. Once the entire economic zone is opened, there will be an investment of $1.5 billion, he added.

"One lakh people will be employed there," he said, adding that the investment agreements have already been signed with Singer and German company Rudolf.

At today's event, two Japanese companies also signed land lease agreements.