The projection that Bangladesh leather goods and footwear can be the second most important sector after the readymade garments in earning foreign exchange has a solid foundation. During his visit to Bangladesh, Michael Scherpe, president of Messe Frankfurt France, one of Europe's top commercial service providers, has given credence to the view that the country's leather and footwear industry indeed has a bright prospect. As an organiser, promoter and manager of prestigious trade shows, his company has solicited participation of exporters of leather and leather goods from Bangladesh. His contention is firm and logical. Chinese high export share in the sector in Europe is on the wane and here is an opportunity for Bangladeshi leather goods manufacturers and exporters to fill in the vacuum. The Messe Frankfurt France president's extension of invitation to leather goods exporters here is important for yet another reason -there is need for their international exposure.
If there is prospect of making an inroad in the European high-end market, Bangladesh has to get ready for the commercial drive. Cheap labour is surely to its advantage but this alone is enough for the purpose. The country's leather companies have to be familiar with the latest trend, texture, quality and fashion. A high-level leather fair to be organised in Paris in September next is an appropriate venue for them to get acquainted with all such matters. Quite rightly, Michael Scherpe has indicated how the companies from Bangladesh can benefit simply by attending the trade show in Paris. An on-the-spot idea will prompt them to think where the country's footwear and leather goods industries are lagging their European and Chinese counterparts and where the advantage they enjoy can be used profitably.
A few leather factories here have set up advanced machines but others are yet to modernise their factories. This is certainly a disadvantage but in entrepreneurship those only prosper who can turn their disadvantage into an advantage. Manufacturers here import machines of foreign origin and some of the tasks are performed manually in an unhygienic condition. If the companies are serious, it is the best time when they can transform their production process in favour of the globally accepted standard. This is necessary also in order to avoid an unpleasant situation similar to the one that has maligned the readymade garments factories. Procurement of the state-of-the-art technology in production must be followed by all the requirements demanded by an internationally recommended working environment.
Now that Bangladesh has put an added emphasis on breeding and rearing livestock in order to meet up the domestic requirement for sacrificial cattle during the Eid-ul-Azha, the supply of raw hides is likely to increase. If the leather industry can have a strong footing, the dull market during the festival time will no longer affect hide traders. Factories receiving orders from European market will make arrangement for collection of hides in order to avoid shortfall. The challenge before the leather companies is to put their acts together and seize the opportunity on offer. Let the government also take an initiative in order to support the tannery factories by extending all the necessary, supportive facilities to them.