Domestic plastic goods makers have sought speedier implementation of the Plastic Industrial Development Policy to help the sector grow apace.
They have also demanded necessary fiscal support and much-needed incentives for further development.
The Bangladesh Plastic Good Manufacturers and Exporters Association placed the demands at a press conference on Monday ahead of 15th Bangladesh International Plastic, Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair (IPF)-2023.
The exposition is scheduled to begin at International Convention City Bashundhara on Wednesday. The four-day fair will continue until February 25.
In a written speech, Shamim Ahmed, president of the association, said plastic sector is growing but it is not getting the kind of benefits that the garment sector is enjoying.
All industries are developing through addressing both compliance and environmental issues. The development of the sector requires good policies and government support, he observed.
"We feel that VAT should be withdrawn from plastic toy items and crockery items. Tax holiday facility should be provided to the plastic industry," added Mr Ahmed.
He demanded brining all bond and non-bond industries under cash incentive facilities by changing the law.
Currently, only non-bond industries are enjoying a 10-per cent cash incentive from the government.
Mr Ahmed also called for quickly implementing the BSCIC Plastic Industrial City to build compliant factories for this sector.
A universal packaging act needs to be formulated in consultation with stakeholders.
The Mandatory Jute Packaging Act-2010 needs to be reassessed to provide an opportunity for the oven sector to grow, he cited.
Industries minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun will inaugurate the IPF-2023 while Tapan Kanti Ghosh, senior commerce secretary, among others, will be present there.
Some 494 companies from 21 countries are participating in this international fair with 750 stalls and booths.
Countries participating in the expo include China, Taiwan, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Korea, Belgium, Canada, USA, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Austria, Singapore, Turkey and the UAE.
"We feel that IPF plays an important role in promoting plastic products to the international community and expanding the market," said Mr Ahmed.
Many spot orders, product sales and contacts for modern machinery will be established at this fair, which is very important for the local plastic sector, he added.
Different types of plastic product-manufacturing companies, including machinery, mould and raw material-making and supplying companies will join the show.
Plastic products have an estimated $570-billion global market.
The achievement of the plastic sector of Bangladesh is only 0.1 per cent in the international market.
The country is working on the target of achieving 3.0 per cent in the coming days.
