Site Assessment and Pre-Feasibility Study of a Proposed SME Industrial Park

Project:	Site Assessment and Pre-Feasibility Study of a Proposed SME Industrial Park
Completion Date:	2011
Client:	Bangladesh Investment Climate Fund (BICF)
Services Provided:	Site Investigation; Masterplanning; Costing; Design & Layout
Project Size:	6 sites identified, 2 sites subject to detailed analysis

Project Description

The idea for the completion of a pre-feasibility study for the establishment of a special purpose SME park originally came about as a result of the demand from the membership of three business associations represented in the SME Foundation.

The Terms of Reference for the assignment provided that 4 - 6 sites should be identified for evaluation from which 1 or 2 sites should be considered for a more detailed assessment.

The findings of the pre-feasibility study clearly supported the development of an SME park. The main findings and conclusions of the study were:

• The demand forecasts identify a high level of pent up demand and interest in leasing plots in the proposed park;
• Initial financial forecasts indicated attractive IRR for both the base case and the aggressive case scenarios. As well as a good balance between Government and private sector funding. This should attract private zone developers through the PPP process;
• The economic benefits in terms of job and wealth creation are also impressive. Furthermore, the proposed park can act as a pilot for other SME parks.

Good quality sites are difficult to find in Bangladesh. This report clearly identifies an area close to Old Dhaka which would be attractive for SME’s wishing to re-locate from the city centre.