Dhaka: A three-day Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2026 is scheduled to commence in the capital on Monday, aiming to highlight domestic industrial capabilities, reduce reliance on imports, and open new avenues for accessing international markets, as stated by organizers during a press conference at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Sunday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the expo, which is backed by the Ministry of Commerce and the World Bank-supported Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project, will take place at the Shaheed Abu Sayed International Convention Centre from February 2 to 4. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman is expected to grace the inaugural ceremony as the chief guest, while Hosna Ferdous Sumi, senior private sector specialist at the World Bank, and Md Abdur Rahim Khan, additional secretary of the Ministry of Commerce and project director of EC4J, will attend as special guests.
Highlighting the significance of the light engineering industry, President of Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners’ Association (BEIOA) Abdur Razzaque stated that the sector provides essential backward linkages to several key industries, including agriculture, textiles, construction, power, automobiles, and household appliances. He noted that approximately 50,000 small and medium light engineering enterprises are operating nationwide, employing over 300,000 skilled workers and contributing around 3 percent to the national GDP.
Despite meeting nearly half of Bangladesh’s US$8.2 billion domestic demand for engineering products locally, there remains a heavy reliance on imported machinery and components, signifying ample room for expansion. Although global demand is robust, Bangladesh’s share in the nearly US$7 trillion global engineering market is less than 1 percent, with current exports from the light engineering sector standing at approximately US$795 million.
Razzaque emphasized that with proper policy support, technological advancements, and increased investment, export earnings could potentially reach US$12.56 billion by 2030. He described the expo as more than just a display event, positioning it as an effective sourcing and networking platform that will connect manufacturers, buyers, suppliers, investors, and policymakers, facilitating technology transfer, business deals, and access to global markets.
The expo will feature over 50 booths showcasing the innovations and production capabilities of local enterprises. Additionally, two seminars will be held alongside the expo, focusing on strategies to enhance global competitiveness post-LDC graduation and the importance of research and innovation in developing the light engineering sector.
In a call for government support, the BEIOA president stressed the need for product diversification and technology transfer to produce high-value exportable products. He advocated for rationalizing import duties on raw materials and simplifying import facilities to boost competitiveness. Organizers expressed optimism that the expo would strengthen the domestic industry, attract investment, create employment, and enhance the global visibility of Bangladesh’s light engineering sector. The exhibition will be open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.