Capitalise on BD's ceramics industry's potential: Commerce adviser

Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin urged businesspersons on Thursday to capitalise on the growing potential of Bangladesh's ceramics industry.
"The government remains supportive of the private sector, but businesses must come forward with logical, acceptable and realistic proposals," he said while inaugurating the "4th Ceramic Expo Bangladesh-2025" as the chief guest at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital.
"Not just complaints-bring constructive proposals. The government is your facilitator," he said.
He said the government is obliged to ensure support and opportunities to entrepreneurs. He also called upon businesspersons to maintain fairness and responsible industrial practices.
"Times have changed. Now success depends on skills, competence and technological capability," he further said while mentioning the country's evolving political and economic context.
"We are still facing challenges in sustainable cost competitiveness, design innovation, logistics efficiency, productivity and energy management. We must identify the issues and work towards practical solutions," he added.
The three-day expo will continue until November 30.
The event is organised by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA). BCMEA President Moynul Islam chaired the ceremony.
Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, Export Promotion Bureau Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, and Expo Committee Chairman and BCMEA General Secretary Irfan Uddin spoke at the event.
A total of 135 companies and 300 brands from 25 countries, along with 500 international delegates and buyers, are participating in the expo.
Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 is the country's fourth and one of Asia's largest international exhibitions in the sector.
The event features three seminars, a job fair, Business to Business and Business to Consumer meetings, live demonstrations, spot orders, raffles and new product launches. Visitors can attend the fair every day from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Bangladesh's ceramics industry has grown significantly over the past decade, with more than 70 factories currently operating in tableware, tiles and sanitary ware production.
The yearly domestic market value of ceramic products reached approximately Tk 80 billion.
Bangladeshi ceramic products are now being exported to more than 50 countries, generating around Tk five billion annually.
Total investment in the sector has crossed Tk 180 billion creating employment for nearly 500,000 people directly and indirectly.
According to the sector insiders, the production and investment in the sector have increased by nearly 150 per cent over the last 10 years.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com