Dhaka:Bangladesh has set its sights on achieving $5 billion in annual earnings from leather exports by 2030, leveraging improved environmental compliance and expanded international market access, as outlined by Industries Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir in Parliament.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister highlighted the global leather market's current value of approximately $500 billion and noted that a significant portion of the market, particularly in Africa and South America, lacks mandatory certification requirements. This presents an opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen its global market presence.
Muktadir also mentioned that a technical assessment by Italprogetti has been completed to upgrade and rectify the existing Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP). The government plans to enhance the CETP's treatment capacity in phases, aiming to reach up to 50,000 cubic metres per day, to meet future demands.
Furthermore, seven tanneries in the industrial estate have been authorized to install their own Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs), with Pioneer Simona Tannery and Sadar Tannery already operational. The minister emphasized regular monitoring to assist tanneries in obtaining Leather Working Group (LWG) certification.
The government is also developing a roadmap to boost production and exports of leather goods and footwear, focusing on product diversification and attracting investment. These initiatives aim to enhance Bangladesh's leather industry competitiveness and achieve the $5 billion export earnings target by 2030.