Bangladesh has all the amenities to beat any global leather brand and offer the same product at a lower price as the government is trying to make the leather sector as the second most thrust sector for export earnings. Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said this while speaking at the inauguration ceremony as chief guest of the seventh edition of 'Leathertech Bangladesh 2019' organized by ASK Trade and Exhibitions Pvt Limited at the International Conference Center, Bashundhara (ICC, B) in the capital on Thursday.
He said, “We have huge raw leather, finished leather, skilled manpower and other components which are sufficient to compete with foreign companies. Hence, we can offer world-class products at reduced prices.” As there exists an investment-friendly atmosphere in the country, which is regarded as the most liberal in South Asia, the minister urged both local and foreign investors to invest more in this sector.
Tipu Munshi said the ministry is set to provide all sorts of support to upgrade the industry and help this sector attain the export target. “If we want to increase our export, we need to focus more on quality production, reduce lead time and construct a big bonded house”, he added.
“As we are planning to take our leather export to $5 billion within 2021, we need to emphasize more on product diversification with proper planning,” suggested the minister. The three days expo is unveiling the sustainable technology of the future by showcasing, machinery, components, chemical and accessories for leather, footwear and leather goods. Dr. Md Jafar Uddin, commerce secretary, said “We need a proper roadmap to achieve a hugely ambitious target of export $5 billion.”
Organizers said, as the government is forming a high-level task force to identify the problems and the way forward for the development of the country’s leather sector, market expansion and the way to increase export earnings, it augurs well for the sector.
They also urged Leather Working Group (LWG), a global rights body, to examine the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate to attain the standard certificate, which once obtained is expected to accelerate the growth of the sector. “The task force will also prepare guidelines on how to achieve international compliance and standards by following the environmental laws and related rules of the country. With continuous growth and encouragement by the support given by the government the sector is working towards achieving an ambitious target of $5 billion export by 2021,” the organizers further said.
Bangladesh Paduka Portutkarok Somity president Haji MD Shaheen Ahmed, Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leathergoods International Sourcing Show 2019 convener Syed Nasim Manzur and BD Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association president Md Saiful Islam, among others, spoke on the occasion.
