Dhaka: Industries Adviser Adilur Rahman Khan today said that an environment-friendly tannery system, use of modern machinery and technology, skilled human resources, and coordination between the public and private sectors would play a vital role in leather industry development.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Adilur noted that the leather industry is Bangladesh's second-largest export-oriented sector, generating employment opportunities for more than hundreds of thousands of people, alongside its significant contribution to the national economy. The Industries Adviser made these remarks while inaugurating the 9th Bangladesh Leather and Footwear Expo (BLF) - 2025 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital this afternoon, said an Industries Ministry press release.
He emphasized the substantial potential for value addition in leather, footwear, and leather goods, noting that the sector holds vast potential for both backward and forward linkage development. By 2030, Adilur predicted that the leather industry could generate employment for 3.5 million to four million people and achieve production and export targets worth $12.50 billion in the leather, leather goods, and footwear sectors.
At the very outset of his speech, the Adviser expressed deep shock and sorrow over the tragic aircraft crash at Milestone School and College, extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and wishing a swift and full recovery to the injured. He further stated that this expo would serve as a strong bridge between entrepreneurs, exporters, and foreign buyers, supporting the expansion of Bangladesh's international trade and increasing export earnings.
With Shahin Ahmed, Chairman of the Bangladesh Tanners Association, in the chair, Md. Saiful Islam, Chairman of BSCIC; Baby Rani Karmakar, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce; Md. Mizanur Rahman, Secretary General of the Tanners Association; and Mohammad Ali Bappy were present, among others. In his remarks, BSCIC Chairman Md. Saiful Islam highlighted the Corporation's initiatives for the development of the leather industry in the country.
The three-day 9th Bangladesh Leather and Footwear Expo - 2025 (July 24-26) features 148 stalls representing companies and institutions from 14 countries. The exhibition showcases modern tanning and finishing machinery, leather, leather products and accessories, and tannery technologies.