The government has set a goal to export five billion US dollars from the leather and leather goods industry under Vision 2021 which marks the 50 year anniversary of independence.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, MP, disclosed this in a three-day long international exhibition inauguration ceremony titled ‘Leathertech Bangladesh-2016’ held in city’s International Convention City, Bashundhara Wednesday.The Commerce Minister said, “Government expects to export 60 billion dollar in 2021 from which Readymade garments sector (RMG) will contribute 50 billion US dollar while the rest five billion US dollar will come from the leather and leather goods industry.”
The 4th edition “LEATHERTECH Bangladesh- 2016” organized by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and lead partnering by Leathergoods And Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) began on 2nd November 2016 at Hall No. 3, 4 and 5 at International Convention City, Bashundara.
The Commerce Minister said, “In the last FY 2015-2016, the country fetched U$ 1.16 billion from exporting leather and leathergoods. The commendable growth reflects that the industry is following RMG export. Furthermore, the sector directly employs approximately 5.58 lac people. The construction of new leather park in Savar is progressing fast and it is expected to bring a clear transformation to the leather industry with market increase in production, product diversification and new product lines.”
Some 250 exhibitors from Bangladesh, China, India, Turkey, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Italy, Singapore, Japan, Germany, UK, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea will showcase machinery for tanning leather, manufacturing footwear and leather goods along with components, dyes & chemicals, accessories and allied products.
Special Guest of the event Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, ndc, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Commerce, said, “Leather industry is an emerging sector. It will be developed further in future. Because we have that kind of ability. If any kind of imbalance exists in tax structure of this sector we will work for making it realistic. “
Md, Saiful Islam, President of Leathergoods And Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), said- “1st edition of LEATHERTECH fair in 2013 was incorporated with 90 companies and 8 participating countries: today in its fourth edition we have 15 participating countries and 250 companies.”
Syed Nasim Manzur, Chairman of Excellence for Leather Skills Bangladesh Ltd, Vipin Seth, President of Indian Footwear Components Manufacturers Association, Shakhawat Hossain Belal, President Bangladesh Paduka Prostutkarak Samity, Shaheen Ahmed Mahin, Chairman, Bangladesh Tanners Association, Nanda Gopal K, Director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan were also present at the event.
The trade show will remain open between 11am to 7pm till 5 th November, 2016 and entry to event is free.
Leathergoods And Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh
