Speakers at a seminar stressed that Bangladesh's packaging sector holds immense potential for export growth, provided the industry adopts eco-friendly practices, ensures regulatory compliance and strengthens coordination among stakeholders, including the government.
They highlighted that packaging is a critical enabler for key export-oriented industries such as pharmaceuticals and food processing. Without a robust packaging sector, these industries cannot function effectively.
Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BPGMEA) organised the seminar titled 'Packaging Export Potential & Identification' at the International Convention City Bashundhra on Thursday as part of the four-day '18th Bangladesh International Plastic, Packaging, and Printing Industrial Fair 2026 (IPF-26) currently underway.
Md. Obaidur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, said the packaging sector has already made a significant contribution to Bangladesh's export diversification and holds strong potential for further expansion.
He noted that with targeted growth and technological advancement, packaging could emerge as a key export-oriented sector, especially in the post-LDC graduation period. In this regard, the ministry has submitted several recommendations to the government to enhance the sector's competitiveness.
However, Rahman pointed out that despite its considerable potential, export earnings from the plastic and packaging industry remain relatively low, indicating ample scope for improvement.
Shamim Ahmed, President of BPGMEA, delivered the welcome address.
During a panel discussion at the seminar, Dr. Md. Razzaqul Islam, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, said the packaging sector should be prioritized as a key avenue for export diversification.
Stressing the need for future-ready growth, Islam stated that sustainable production, regulatory compliance, and the development of biodegradable packaging solutions are essential to enhance the sector's global competitiveness.
At the discussion, Md. Hafizur Rahman, former Director General of the WTO Cell at the Ministry of Commerce, said the packaging sector requires an effective bonded warehouse facility.
Rahman also underscored the need for product diversification and emphasized that the packaging sector must be developed in line with the continued growth of the RMG industry.
To expand export markets, he highlighted the importance of research, innovation, and development, adding that strict compliance is essential in producing globally competitive packaging products.
While presenting a keynote paper, Dr. Wasel Bin Shadat, Assistant Professor at IBA, DU & Research Director at BUILD, said that despite concerns over overcapacity, Bangladesh continues to import 20 percent of its packaging materials due to limited domestic production of certain products.
He urged the formal recognition of packaging as a priority export sector by defining it across HS codes and aligning it with jute and agro-export strategies, with targeted incentives for food-grade, pharma-grade, and sustainable packaging.
Dr. Wasel Bin Shadat also stressed strengthening linkages, compliance-driven competitiveness, regional value chain focus, and sustainability as key growth drivers.
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