PM to open 3rd edition of BLLISS Oct 30

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the 3rd edition of BLLISS 2019 (Bangladesh Leatherfootwear & Leathergoods International Sourcing Show) on October 30 at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Agargaon in the city.

The exhibition of the show will be held between 31st October - 2nd November at

International Convention City (ICCB), Bashundhara in the city.

"The key objective of BLLISS 2019 is to brand and position Bangladesh in the global supply chain map as the future proof sourcing destination for high value-added leather products and footwear," said a statement.

The grand international exhibition is organized by the Leathergoods And Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce.

BLLISS 2019 is expected to become an important matchmaking trade platform for the stakeholders.

3rd edition of BLLISS 2019 is being held under the thematic tagline: "future proof sourcing!

Dr. Md. Jafar Uddin, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce announced it on Saturday in a press conference held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka Hotel.

The press conference was chaired by Mr. Md. Saiful Islam, President, LFMEAB while, Mr. Peter Fahrenholtz, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Dhaka and Mr. Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Additional Secretary (Export) of Ministry of Commerce were present as Guest Speakers, and Syed Nasim Manzur- Convenor, BLLISS-2019 and Managing Director of Apex Footwear Ltd. was present at that event. Members of the Executive Body of LFMEAB also attended the press conference.

Dr. Md. Jafar Uddin said that this year, BLLISS will focus on the readiness of Bangladesh as a future proof sourcing solutions. LFMEAB President, Mr. Md. Saiful Islam said the purpose of this show is to turn Bangladesh into a sourcing hub by bringing buyers, global retailers and international sourcing agents under one roof so that they can communicate directly with local manufacturers and exporters. "Bangladesh could be the future proof sourcing destination for global brands and buyers if the government and policymakers take pragmatic decision in this sector that has immense potentials to grow further," he remarks.

Mr. Saiful Islam further stated that more than 30 international buyers and brands representatives from different countries including Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, France, Ireland, Kuwait, and China have already confirmed their attendance to join the event. Bangladesh Commercial Counselors in missions such as in Germany, Canada, Japan, and Spain will also join the event. Apart from the show, a dedicated 3 breakout sessions will take place on the sideline, where more than 200 high-ups including students from different universities will take part, he informed.

Speaking on the occasion, Syed Nasim Manzur -Convenor, BLLISS-2019 and Managing Director of Apex Footwear Ltd. -said Bangladesh is emerging as a competitive place compared to China, Vietnam and Cambodia for setting up industries because of competitive cost of production, growing compliance practices, huge ready young workforce with trained skill set, trade privileges granted in major markets such as the EU and China etc.

"The event would help promote the country's leather products and footwear sector and knowledge transfer among the stakeholders," he said.