Bangladesh’s export of plastic goods will accelerate in the upcoming days as manufacturers have formally started exporting household products and furniture to EU countries and united states markets.
So thinks Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) President Jashim Uddin. In an exclusive interview with the Dhaka Tribune, he shared his opinion on a series of issues related to challenges and compliance facing the industry.
Bangladesh usually exported poly bag, woven sack, PVC bag and waste plastic, but it has begun to export household products and furniture, Jasim said while explaining the business potentialities.
What are the challenges for the plastic industry?
Compliance is a big challenge for Bangladesh’s plastic industry as there is a little number of factories, which are able to export products in line with compliance issues. Buyers are putting pressure on such issues and warning of ensuring safety.
What is needed to make the industry compliant and to grab the market share?
Since it is very difficult to establish a compliant factory for an entrepreneur, a Plastic Village is needed to boost the sector and make it compliant. Commercial wings should brand Bangladesh’s plastic products. We do not have any backward linkage. If the sector is big people will concentrate on making machinery and linkage.
How can Bangladesh draw buyers to grab the global market?
Introducing Bangladeshi products to buyers is very difficult. If one or two retailers import successfully, it works as a reference and the others follow it carefully. To make Bangladeshi products familiar, we have to showcase our products outside the country and participate in global expos.
Bengal Plastic is doing business with Dollar General Corporation, a United States chain of variety stores. We have received orders from the company and US – a country where reference works powerfully to choose a sourcing platform.
Why are toys not produced made here and how can Bangladesh can self-reliant on toys?
There is a huge opportunity for toys in the country as it is mostly dependent on imports. Due to lack of backward linkage, Bangladesh cannot become viable in the sector. To increase investment in manufacturing toys, BPGMEA is working on toys to help small and medium entrepreneurs (SME) getting funds through IDLC finance.
The businesses of toys will take root in Bangladesh as china is losing its competitiveness while it is a potential sector for us since it is labor-intensive.
What should the government to do enhance the sector?
Given the high potentials of exports, the government should prioritise the sector and provide incentives.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data, Bangladesh earned $100.5m from this sector, posting a 17.35% growth in the last fiscal year.