International financing for our client’s manufacturing project required that the project aligned with IFC Performance Standards (IFC PS). This included an in-depth view of the environmental impacts of the proposed development as well as the social impacts on the community and workers.
This large, diversified business conglomerate in Bangladesh has over 25 factories across several manufacturing sectors, and a workforce of more than 39,000 employees. The company is seeking to establish a new milling complex located in the Sreehatta Economic Zone (SEZ), 150km north-east of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and about 20km from the regional city of Sylhet.
The company has become an anchor organisation in the development of the 353-acre SEZ which has been conceived and promoted by the Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA).
We completed an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the proposed mill, including a specific Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) and Community Development Plan for both the project and the wider industrial park and SEZ. The CIA identified potential issues with flooding, ground and surface water, air and noise quality and the impacts on livelihoods, for which we made recommendations for mitigation while creating positive outcomes for the community, workers and women. The work aligned the project with the IFC PS to facilitate international financing.
ESIA
CIA
Community Development Plan