More than 200 foreign companies now operate in Bangladesh and the figure is expected to increase following a recent government announcement to privatise a further 61 state-owned food and chemical industries, textile and associated industries. Import and export permits are issued within 24 hours. Companies are free from import restrictions and thus are able to import machinery, raw materials, and cars. Technicians from overseas are exempt from paying income tax for three years. All goods produced within the zones are exported duty-free.
Investors are able to exploit some of the cheapest labour in the region.
Workers employed in the processing zones are not permitted to form or join a union, and it is illegal to take industrial action. Workers protesting at the jailing of two of their co-workers attempted to present a statement to their employer, a Nike contractor, outlining their concerns. Youngone, reported to be one of the world's largest sportswear manufacturers, has seven factories operating in Bangladesh with two more planned. Millions of Bangladeshis face poverty, illiteracy, and disease. The country has one of the lowest life expectancy rates in the world.