Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin has said that plastic products can play a significant role in diversifying export prospects.
He made this comment while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the four-day 17th International Plastic, Packaging, and Printing Industrial Fair at Bashundhara International Convention City (ICCB) in Dhaka on Wednesday.
The adviser also emphasized the need for policy formulation based on reality.
“We must phase out harmful plastics while embracing good plastics. Our efforts should focus on increasing the responsible production and use of beneficial plastic products,” he said.
He further said that as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026, the country will lose preferential market access due to this transition.
He added: “The government will no longer be able to provide incentives. To overcome this challenge, we must enhance our competitiveness, improve productivity, and reduce production costs. Without these capabilities, we will face severe difficulties.”
Following his speech, he visited different stalls at the fair.
The fair is jointly organized by the Bangladesh Plastic Product Manufacturers and Exporters Association and Hong Kong-based Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co Ltd.
It features 800 stalls, showcasing products and technologies from more than 390 brands across 18 countries, including China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Vietnam, the UAE, Turkey, and the UK.
The exhibition is open to visitors daily from 11am to 7pm.