The country's leather industry is heading towards the goal of earning $5.0 billion a year through exports by 2021, speakers said at the opening ceremony of the three-day 'Leathertech Bangladesh-2018' in the city on Thursday.
The latest machinery, components and accessories have been displayed at the show with the aim to exhibit the overall development of the leather industry in the country, they said.
Over 300 exhibitors from nearly 20 countries are participating in the eighth edition of the three-day exposition, organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd in association with Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leather goods & Footwear Exporters' Association (BFLLFEA), Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA), Bangladesh Paduka Prostutkarak Samity (BPPS), and Leather Engineering and Technology Society (LETS).
Centre of Excellence for Leather Skill Bangladesh Limited (COEL) is the show's strategic partner.
The participants, including CLE and IFCOMA from India, Wenzhou and Jinjiang Association from China and Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA) are showcasing a wide array of items such as leather and leather products, international and local technology regarding machinery, components, chemicals, and equipment and accessories required for manufacturing footwear at the event.
"This year the show has expanded in terms of both size and scope. This implies that the investment to catalyse the upgrade and development of the country's leather industry has increased," said Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, Managing Director of ASK.
"The machinery, components and accessories have been displayed in the show with a view to conveying the message of (the development of) the latest leather technology and their origin," he said.
"The leather industry is striding towards the goal to export 5.0 billion USD by the year 2021, owing to seamless development and the cooperation from the government," said Nanda Gopal, Director of ASK.
"In addition to the scope of leather industry being on the rise, the use of the latest technology to face different challenges is also increasing. All the information and technology required for expanding and modernising the leather industry have been presented at this trade show," he added.
Apart from the expo, another event, the second edition of the Bangladesh Leather Footwear & Leather Goods International Sourcing Show-BLLISS 2018 is being organised by the Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) at the same venue.
Besides, a handful of mini-events like 'buyer-seller meet' to facilitate interaction with the sourcing team from factories have been organised there on November 22 and 23.
A number of seminars will also be held on Saturday.
