Dhaka: Commerce Adviser Sk. Bashir Uddin has called on entrepreneurs and businessmen to harness the potential of Bangladesh’s ceramics industry, highlighting it as a promising export sector. The call was made during the opening ceremony of the ‘4th Ceramic Expo Bangladesh-2025’ at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), as conveyed in a Commerce Ministry press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Commerce Adviser emphasized the government’s supportive role towards the private sector, urging businesses to present logical and realistic proposals. He stated, “Not just complaints-bring constructive proposals. The government is your facilitator. We are obliged to ensure your opportunities and support, but they must be based on fairness and responsible industrial practices.”
Addressing the changing political and economic landscape, Bashir Uddin remarked that the era of ‘connection-dependent businesses’ has ended. He pointed out that success now hinges on skills, competence, and technological capability. He questioned why the ceramics industry has not yet become a major export earner, contrasting it with the rapid growth of the apparel sector. He identified challenges such as sustainable cost competitiveness, design innovation, logistics efficiency, productivity, and energy management as key areas needing attention.
The three-day expo, which began on 27 November and will run until 30 November, is organized by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA). BCMEA President Moinul Islam chaired the opening ceremony, with remarks from special guests including the Ambassador of Italy to Bangladesh, Antonio Alessandro, EPB Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif, and Expo Committee Chairman and BCMEA General Secretary Irfan Uddin.
The expo features participation from 135 companies and 300 brands from 25 countries, along with 500 international delegates and buyers. It is one of Asia’s largest international exhibitions in the ceramics sector, offering three seminars, a job fair, B2B and B2C meetings, live demonstrations, spot orders, raffle draws, and new product launches. Visitors can attend the fair daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bangladesh’s ceramics industry has seen significant growth over the past decade, with over 70 factories involved in tableware, tiles, and sanitaryware production. The domestic market size has reached approximately Taka 8,000 crore annually. Production and investment in the sector have increased by nearly 150 percent in the last 10 years. Bangladeshi ceramic products are exported to more than 50 countries, generating around Taka 500 crore annually, with total investment in the sector exceeding Taka 18,000 crore, providing employment for nearly five lakh people both directly and indirectly.