Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Monday said the government is focusing on strengthening export-led growth and diversifying export markets.
He said the ministry of commerce is working hard to increase the number of foreign buyers and investors in a bid to making Bangladesh an international hub for export of leather products and footwear.
Minister was addressing a press conference, organised on the occasion of 'Bangladesh Leather Footwear & Leathergoods International Sourcing Show 'BLLISS-2023' at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the 4th edition of Bangladesh Leather Footwear & Leathergoods International Sourcing Show 'BLLISS-2023' on Thursday at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Exhibition of the show will be held from 12-14 October 2023 at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.
The exhibition is jointly organized by the Leathergoods And Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) and Ministry of Commerce.
Syed Nasim Manzur, President, LFMEAB & Convener of BLLISS Working Committee 2023 presided over the press conference.
Md. Saiful Islam, Advisor, LFMEAB & President, MCCI was a Special Guest while James Ho, Director, LFMEAB and Managing Director of Xin Chang Shoes (BD) Ltd. was present as Guest Speaker.
Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export), officials of Ministry of Commerce, and members of the Executive Body of LFMEAB were present among others.
Theme of BLLISS-2023 is: “Possible.In Bangladesh”. Key goal of BLLISS-2023 is to brand and position Bangladesh as a RESILIENT, RELIABLE, & RESOURCEFUL sourcing solution in the global leather products and footwear value chain.
Speaking on the occasion, Syed Nasim Manzur said as the world emerges from the pandemic and global trade flows face major shifts, brands and sourcing companies are relooking at their sourcing strategies from managing crises to developing new countries of origin. In such circumstances, this international sourcing show is expected to attract new buyers, many of whom are looking beyond Vietnam and China to countries like Bangladesh, India and Indonesia.
Md. Saiful Islam said Bangladesh is rapidly emerging as a dependable source for sourcing leather products and footwear.
“By showcasing Bangladesh’s capability and strength in this sector BLLISS-2023 will open new business opportunities, and accelerate trade and investment resulting in sustainable growth and quality employment”. he remarked.
James Ho, a Chinese investor & Managing Director of Xin Chang Shoes (BD) said “We have already invested 130 million US dollars in Bangladesh with four factories and fifth one coming. Our shoes are the best Ambassador for Bangladesh, showing the world what is possible.”
