Industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders at a seminar organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) have called for an integrated roadmap to transform Bangladesh’s leather sector into a major export pillar in the post-LDC era.
Speaking at the seminar titled “Sustainable Export Growth in Post-LDC Era: Strategies for the Leather Sector”, DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed highlighted that the leather industry, Bangladesh’s second-largest export earner after RMG, holds significant potential for value addition, employment generation, and sustainable growth. However, the sector contributes less than 1% to the global leather market due to a lack of compliance and international certifications such as the Leather Working Group (LWG) accreditation.
Adilur Rahman Khan, Adviser to the Ministry of Industries and chief guest of the event, emphasized the urgent need for environmental compliance and international certification to remain competitive. He noted that only three tanneries in the country are currently LWG-certified and called for greater public-private collaboration and climate-friendly practices.
FBCCI Administrator Md. Hafizur Rahman pointed to an image crisis and lack of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the sector, urging stakeholders to improve ESG compliance to attract global buyers and investors.
BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam disclosed that the Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at Savar Tannery Park is operating below demand capacity. He announced steps to expand CETP capacity and allow individual tanneries to establish their own treatment plants.
Keynote speaker Syed Nasim Manzur, MD of Apex Footwear Ltd., argued that without adequate certification, compliance, and policy support, the sector cannot realize its full potential. He projected that with proper incentives, leather exports could reach $5 billion by 2030 and $10 billion by 2035.
Additional Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Dr. Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury urged the private sector to partner with the government in enhancing compliance and capacity building ahead of LDC graduation.
BIDA Director General Md. Ariful Hoque stressed on branding Bangladesh as a leather investment destination and said BIDA is actively seeking out foreign investors.
Other industry representatives highlighted the need for better infrastructure, streamlined customs procedures, backward linkages, and policy parity with the RMG sector. They also advocated for financial support mechanisms and climate-resilient practices.
The seminar concluded with a call for unified governance, policy reforms, and collective responsibility to position the leather industry as a globally competitive export sector.