Leather industry 'poised to reach full potential'

Leathertech Bangladesh 2025, the 11th edition of international technology tradeshow for leather, footwear machinery, shoe materials, chemicals and accessories sectors, kicked off in the city on Thursday.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), inaugurated the three-day fair as the chief guest at the Expo Village of the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) while Syed Nasim Manzur, president of Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), was present as the special guest.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Ashik Chowdhury said, "Bangladesh's leather industry now stands on the threshold of realising its full potential. An exhibition like Leathertech is not merely a showcase; it is a remarkable initiative aimed at propelling the sector toward that ultimate goal. Such events signal that the leather industry is ready to enter a new chapter."
With coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors, Bangladesh's leather industry will progress much further, he said.
The BIDA executive chairman asserted that it is vital to "strengthen the leather industry's position in the global market."
LFMEAB President Syed Nasim Manzur said, "The country's leather industry is now at a crossroads, poised to accelerate export-oriented manufacturing. To move to the next level, policy liberalisation is essential. If we can strengthen the right connections between our country and neighbouring economies, technological development within the leather sector will progress even faster."
Mohiuddin Ahmed Mahin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods and Footwear Exporters' Association (BFLLFEA), said, "Leather goods are one of the most promising export sectors of our country. Events like Leathertech are helping strengthen our position in the international market."
Industry leaders from Bangladesh, China, India and Pakistan were present at the inaugural ceremony.
Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, MD of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, the organiser of the show, was also present at the event.
Bangladesh's leather and footwear exports continued their recovery in October FY25-26, posting a 9.7 per cent year-on-year growth, reaching US$591.5 million compared to US$539.4 million last year, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).
The tradeshow will remain open from 11:00am to 7:00pm daily, and entry is free for business visitors. The fair will end on Saturday.

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