Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the ruling party, if re-elected, will build modern tanneries in Chittagong and Rajshahi, as well as an exclusive leather industrial zone with all modern facilities.
She added that the government has already asked the officials concerned to find a suitable place for the industrial zone, reports BSS.
The prime minister made the remarks at the inauguration of the Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leather Goods International Sourcing Show 2018, held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
She said her government had created scope so that businesspersons can do businesses. “We are not businesspersons. So, I always believe that businesspersons will do business.
“We do work to create opportunities for businesspersons through exploring market abroad as well as enhancing the purchase capacity of the local people through improving their economic condition,” she added.
“If I am elected again, I will build the industrial zone and tanneries. And if I am not re-elected, you make sure that the new government executes the plan,” the prime minister told leather industry leaders.
She also asked the authorities of newly established Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to keep an area in every zone for leather industries.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Shubashish Basu, and FBCCI President Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin were present at the inauguration as special guests, while Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) President Safiul Islam delivered the welcome address.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina visits a leather goods stall after the inauguration of Blliss in Dhaka's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on November 22, 2018 | Focus Bangla
Sheikh Hasina said Bangladesh’s leather industry has immense scope for growth abroad, as the country is already producing leather goods for many global brands.
“Our workers can manufacture high quality products if they get a little bit of training. Our women in particular are skilled in the crafting of leather goods,” she said.
“We want more foreign brands to come to Bangladesh with investment. This will help them get manpower at a low cost, while helping create employment opportunities.”
She added that there were significant market opportunities for foreign investors in Bangladesh, due to the country’s geographical location and multi-modal communication.
The prime minister mentioned steps taken by her government for the development of the international airport in Cox’s Bazar, with the aim of making it feasible for operation of wide-bodied flights and attracting foreign tourists and investors.
She also said her government was working to attract more investment from local and foreign sources, with the goal of ensuring full engagement of youths who were of working age.
“One hundred Special Economic Zones are being established in this regard,” she added.
“No industry can flourish without government incentives,” she said, urging LFMEAB leaders to explore markets abroad to avail incentives on the export of leather goods.
After the inauguration, Hasina also visited the pavilions at the sourcing show along with government officials and leather industry leaders.