Ministry of Commerce Senior Secretary, Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, stressed Thursday on growth of the leather industry as it has high demand in both domestic and export markets.
Mr Mamoon said, "The country's leather industry has vast potential. We have the finest leather in the globe. We need to expand cooperation with other countries like India which will create a win-win situation and expand the trade."
He said this while addressing as the chief guest at a three-day international trade show styled 'Leathertech Bangladesh 2014' at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre
ASK Trade and Exhibitions Pvt Ltd organised the International trade show on machinery, components, dyes, chemicals, accessories and allied products for leather, footwear and leather goods.
ASK directors Nanda Gopal K expressed the hope that the increasing growth of the industry and boosting investment would definitely make the sector the highest export earning industry in next five years.
"In the coming years with the existing infrastructure in place and successful relocation of tanneries, the growth will be much bigger and experts estimate it worth Tk 200 billion," he said.
Nearly 100 participants from India, China, Turkey, Japan, Italy, Singapore, Sri Lanka and host Bangladesh are expected to showcase leather, footwear machinery and components, dyes and chemicals, accessories and allied products at this international event.
The sector generates direct and indirect employment for about 850,000 people, including a significant number of women, particularly in the leather-product industries.
The participants will showcase latest technologies and bridge the information gap.
There will be around 200 stalls. The fair will remain open from 11 am to 7 pm everyday. Visitors can get in without any entry fee.
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