Published: 12:38 AM, 25 September 2026 Last Update: 12:39 AM, 25 September 2026
Stakeholder’s opinion will be sought to make a roadmap for the leather and footwear industry: Commerce Secretary
The government is preparing a roadmap to identify the problems of the leather and footwear industry, exploit the potential of the domestic market and boost exports. The draft of the roadmap will be published through the website of the Commerce and Industry Ministry to seek the views of the stakeholders, said Commerce Secretary Md. Ataur Rahman Khan. He made the remarks at the Bashundhura International Convention City in the capital Kuril while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 10th Bangladesh Leather and Footwear Expo-2026.
He further said that, already a high level committee has been formed led by the Commerce Minister regarding the matter. It will reflect the practical experience and needs of all concerned including tannery owners, manufacturers, traders and technologists, he added. Highlighting the potential of the domestic market, Secretary said again that, the raw materials for the leather industry are available in the country and the capacity of the country’s technician in this sector has also increased. However there is an opportunity to further encourage the country’s people to use local leather products as well as boost exports to the international market,
Ataur Rahman Khan elaborately came up and emphasized the need to increase cooperation between industrial institutions and educational institutions to strengthen research in the leather industry. Moreover, he mentioned again that it is necessary to make the connection between students and researchers of leather technology and tannery owners and entrepreneurs to be more active. In addition, efforts will be made to include this issue in the roadmap, he added.
At that time the organizers of the event informed that, the leather industry is the second foreign exchange earning sources and this industry has a bright potential to enter new markets and strengthen its position in existing market. But this requires proper planning and special initiatives. Along with processed leather, shoes, travel bags, belts and wallets are being exported from Bangladesh towards Italy, South Korea, Japan , China, Hong Kong and Taiwan till now. On the other hand there are about 5 thousands 5 hundred footwear factories in the country. Bangladesh is the eighth largest country in the world in footwear production and the ninth largest consumer market. The program was organized jointly by the Bangladesh Tanners Association, Leather Engineers and Technologists Society, Bangladesh Let’s B and Limra Trade Fairs Private Limited and presided over by the Tanners Association Senior Vice President Sakhawat Ullah. BSCIS Chairman Benazir Ahmed was also spoke at the event. Local and Foreign business personalities, manufacturers and technologists were also present at that time.
