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2025–26 EIPP PCP Format Guide: How to Write a Project Concept Paper

EIPP PCP (Project Concept Paper) 2025–26 Format Guide

The PCP (Project Concept Paper) is the concept paper submitted to participate in the EIPP (Economic and Industrial Partnership Program). The 2025–26 format has strengthened the economic viability analysis and Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) requirements compared to previous versions, and is provided in a bilingual Korean–English format to make completion easier for Korean companies.

PCP approval is a prerequisite for applying EIPP incentives. The average approval rate from 2022 to 2024 was 65%, with the 35% rejection rate attributable to inadequate economic analysis, unrealistic employment plans, and missing ESIA sections. This guide systematically lays out item-by-item writing strategies to improve approval rates.

12 Pages
Document Length
Korean–English bilingual required
8 Sections
Sections
Business overview through risk management
60 Days
Review Period
BEZA–KDI joint review
65%
Approval Rate
Based on 2022–24 results
Weak Economic Analysis
Top Rejection Cause
42% of all rejections
Mandatory ESIA
2025 New Requirement
Environmental & Social Impact Assessment
12% or Above
IRR Threshold
Based on Bangladesh government bond yield
80% or More
Local Employment
Bonus scoring condition

Section-by-Section Writing Guide for All 8 Sections

The PCP consists of 8 sections, and accurately fulfilling the core requirements of each section significantly increases the probability of approval. In particular, the "Economic Viability Analysis (20%)" and "Employment Effect (15%)" sections carry the highest review weight, so expert review is strongly recommended.

PCP 8-Section Writing Guide and Scoring Weights
SectionItemLengthKey PointsReview Weight
1Business Overview1 pageProject name, location, sector, investment scale10%
2Company Profile1 pageFinancial status, overseas expansion experience10%
3Business Plan2 pagesProducts/services, market analysis, competitiveness15%
4Investment Plan2 pagesPhased investment, financing sources, timeline15%
5Economic Viability Analysis2 pagesIRR, NPV, sensitivity analysis20%
6Employment Effect1 pageDirect/indirect jobs, local hire ratio15%
7ESIA Summary2 pagesEnvironmental impact, social impact, mitigation measures10%
8Risk Management1 pageRisk identification, response strategies5%

Economic Viability Analysis Standards (Review Weight: 20%)

The economic viability analysis must calculate IRR (Internal Rate of Return), NPV (Net Present Value), and payback period based on a 10-year project horizon. A discount rate of 12% (Bangladesh government bond yield) is applied, and sensitivity analysis must include exchange rate fluctuation scenarios of ±15% and revenue variation scenarios of ±20%.

Required Economic Viability Analysis Items
IRR Threshold12% or above (Bangladesh discount rate)
NPVMust be positive (at 12% discount rate)
Payback PeriodWithin 7 years recommended
Project Horizon10-year cash flow presentation required
Sensitivity Analysis Scenarios
Exchange Rate VariationBDT/USD ±15% scenario
Revenue VariationBase, optimistic, pessimistic — 3 scenarios
Raw Material Prices±10% scenario included
Employment CostsBangladesh wage growth rate reflected

4 Most Common Rejection Causes

Analysis of the approximately 35% rejection rate among PCPs submitted from 2022 to 2024 reveals four recurring patterns. Inadequate economic analysis accounts for 42% and ranks first — these are errors that can mostly be resolved with a prior KOTRA pre-review.

01
Inadequate Economic Viability Analysis (42% of rejections)
The most common errors are estimating Bangladesh market size using Korean benchmarks and omitting sensitivity analysis. Failing the 12% IRR threshold, a negative NPV, and a payback period exceeding 7 years are the leading rejection reasons. Conservative revenue projections grounded in local market research data are essential.
02
Exchange Rate Risk Not Reflected (28% of rejections)
The error of calculating BDT volatility using a fixed exchange rate. The Bangladesh taka (BDT) has been depreciating at roughly 5–8% annually on a recurring basis, so a ±15% sensitivity scenario must always be included. Increasing the share of USD-denominated payment contracts helps reduce exchange rate risk.
03
Local Employment Ratio Not Met (18% of rejections)
Cases where management positions are entirely staffed by Koreans, failing to meet the 80%+ local employment standard. It is recommended to plan for 100% local hires in production and logistics roles, and at least 50% local hires in management positions. Presenting a local education and training plan alongside the employment plan earns bonus scoring.
04
ESIA Missing (12% of rejections)
From 2025, the ESIA (Environmental and Social Impact Assessment) has been strengthened as a mandatory requirement. Even in abbreviated form, environmental impacts (wastewater, waste, greenhouse gases) and social impacts (community employment, potential displacement) must be included. Mitigation measures and a monitoring plan should also be described.

PCP Submission and Review Process

KOTRA Pre-Review
Free review at the Dhaka Trade Center (2 weeks), feedback against review standards
Final PCP Completion
Complete all 8 sections, validate economic analysis, include ESIA
Official BEZA Submission
Submit via online portal, receive application number (on business days)
BEZA–KDI Joint Review
60-day joint review, one supplementation request permitted
Approval and MOU Signing
Incentive package confirmed, MOU signed, then investment procedures proceed
EIPP Incentive Types, Conditions, and Benefits
IncentiveConditionsBenefit ContentApplication PeriodNotes
Corporate Tax ExemptionExport ratio 80%+10-year exemption + 2-year 50% reductionFrom commercial production start dateFor EPZ tenant companies
Import Duty ExemptionProduction equipment and raw materialsCapital goods and components fully exemptDuring operating periodLocalization plan required
Land LeaseMirsarai BEZALong-term lease (50-year, renewable)From contract date$0.4–0.8/m²/month
Foreign ProfessionalsTechnology transfer includedVisa-free work permitDuring operating periodLocal training mandatory
Remittance GuaranteeInvestment principal and profits100% free remittanceImmediateExempt from foreign exchange controls
Strategies to Improve Approval Rate
KOTRA Pre-ReviewFree, provides feedback on review standards
Conservative Revenue ForecastBased on local market research data
Local Employment 80%+Present education and training plan together
Include ESIAAbbreviated form is acceptable, but inclusion is mandatory
Items Reviewers Prioritize
Local ContributionEmployment creation, technology transfer, export contribution
Project FeasibilityIRR 12%+ even in the conservative scenario
Environmental and Social ResponsibilitySpecificity of ESIA mitigation measures
Financing PlanEquity ratio of 30%+ recommended

Final Checklist Before PCP Submission

Pre-Submission Verification Items
Check ItemStandardVerification MethodAction if Not Met
IRR12% or aboveAll 3 sensitivity scenariosRe-examine revenue and cost structure
NPVPositive12% discount rate, 10-year basisConsider reducing investment scale
Local Employment80% or moreLocal hire ratio specified by job categoryRevise recruitment plan to be realistic
ESIAEnvironmental and social impacts includedMitigation measures and monitoring planAbbreviated form acceptable, but must be included
Financing PlanEquity 30%+Source and procurement schedule specifiedDetail financial procurement plan
Korean–English BilingualAll sectionsProfessional translation recommendedVerify accuracy of technical terminology
Signature and SealLegal representativeEnglish signature includedNotarization not required (current standard)
KOTRA Pre-ReviewRecommendedSubmit 2 weeks in advanceContact Dhaka Trade Center officer
EIPP 2023 BrochureFull guide to program structure and incentive packages
EIPP PCP Original FormatComparative analysis of the program prototype and format evolution
EIPPPCPProject Concept PaperFormat Guide2025-26
2025–26 EIPP PCP Format Guide: How to Write a Project Concept Paper | Dhaka Trade Portal