The first three-day 'Ceramic Expo Bangladesh-2017' began in the city aiming to create an avenue for both local ceramic makers and global stakeholders for further promotion of the sector.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed inaugurated the expo as the chief guest at the city's International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).
Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) President Sirazul Islam Mollah, its General Secretary Irfan Uddin, and FBCCI acting president Shiekh Fazle Fahim also spoke on the occasion.
In his speech, Mr Tofail said some 62 ceramic industries with having a total investment of around US$1.0 billion are in operation in the country.
The country's ceramic industry fetches US$ 50 million annually through exports, he said.
About the problems in regard to gas supply and port facilities, the commerce minister said some of entrepreneurs have planned to set up ceramic industries in Bhola due to availability of gas there.
According to the organisers, 60 companies from 13 countries apart from Bangladesh are participating in the exhibition to display ceramic products, raw materials, machinery and technologies. The event will remain open for all from 10:00am to 7:00pm every day till December 2, they said.
Later, the commerce minister also opened a four-day Bangladesh International Garment & Textile Expo (BIGTEX-2017) as the chief guest, which also kicked off at Hall-1 & Hall-2 of the ICCB on the day.
The BIGTEX-2017, organised by RedCarpet365 Ltd with China Textile Machinery Association (CTMA) as strategic partner, will display latest garment and textile machinery, equipment, world class technologies and accessories.
CTMA vice secretary general Zhao Xiaogang, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) senior vice president Faruque Hassan, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA) first vice president Mansoor Ahmed, Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) president Abdul Kader Khan, and Bangladesh Indenting Agents Association (BIAA) president Muhammad Ayub were also present on the occasion.
Manufacturers, dealers, suppliers and importers of garment and textile machinery and accessories from 12 countries, including Bangladesh, China, England, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and Turkey are participating in the exhibition with 180 stalls.
Speaking at the programme, the Commerce Minister said Bangladesh is the second largest exporter of readymade garment (RMG) products only next to China.
He said, "The country will cross China in terms of export earnings from the garment and textile sector by 2021 as we have set a target to export US$ 50 billion worth of products within the stipulated time."
