Dhaka: Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed today highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive roadmap to fortify the chemical backward linkage industry as a strategic measure to ensure the future sustainability of Bangladesh's export sector.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the statement was made during a seminar titled 'Backward Linkage Development of the Chemical-Dependent Key Export-Oriented Industries: Current State and Issues' organized by the DCCI. The event, held at the DCCI auditorium, featured notable attendees such as Salim Ullah, Director General of the Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), and Abul Fatah Md. Baligur Rahman, Member (Development) of the Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR).
In his welcome address, Taskeen Ahmed emphasized the pivotal role of a competitive chemical product supply chain in enhancing the export competitiveness of key industries, including RMG, textiles, leather, and pharmaceuticals. He pointed out that the country's industrial growth is being impeded by the significant dependence on imported dyes, chemicals, and specialized raw materials, exacerbated by tariff complexities, prolonged environmental clearance processes, and logistical challenges.
Salim Ullah, DG of BIM, noted the government's ongoing reforms of the National Industrial Policy, suggesting that the private sector should determine whether a separate policy for the chemical backward linkage industry is necessary or if it should be integrated into the existing policy framework. He underscored the importance of developing backward linkage industries for chemical-dependent sectors to drive industrialization in Bangladesh.
Baligur Rahman highlighted the necessity of bridging the gap between industry and academia to accelerate economic growth. He urged industrial entrepreneurs to leverage research outcomes and products from BCSIR to add value to export products and establish competitive import-substitute industries.
Asif Rabbani, Managing Director of SR Chemical Industries Ltd, provided insights into the domestic chemical market, which is valued between $6-8 billion and is experiencing annual growth of 10-15 percent. He identified logistical constraints, high tariff rates, inadequate infrastructure, and an inefficient supply chain as significant barriers to sector development, calling for policy modernization and enhancement of domestic industrial capabilities.
The seminar included contributions from various industry leaders and stakeholders, who echoed the need for supportive government policies, uninterrupted energy supply, and the establishment of specialized industrial zones to foster industry growth. Despite the local chemical market's value exceeding $6 billion, reliance on imports, energy supply issues, high tariffs, complex licensing procedures, and logistical limitations have hindered the sector's progress.
The event concluded with an open discussion where former Senior Vice President of DCCI Alhaj Abdus Salam and DCCI Member M. S. Siddiqui shared their perspectives on overcoming these challenges. DCCI Senior Vice President Razeev H Chowdhury, Vice President Salem Sulaiman, and other board members and representatives from relevant public and private sector organizations were also present.