State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for greater local and foreign investment in Bangladesh’s cosmetics, skincare and personal care industry, saying the sector has the potential to become a major manufacturing and export hub.
She made the remarks while inaugurating Cosmética Dhaka 2026 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka on Thursday.
Speaking as the chief guest, Shama Obaed said Bangladesh could leverage the production capacity, compliance infrastructure, skilled workforce and global buyer networks developed through its readymade garment industry to build a competitive cosmetics sector.
“By leveraging the production capacity, compliance infrastructure, skilled workforce and global buyer relationships that we have developed in the readymade garment industry, it is possible to establish contract manufacturing, formulation, specialized packaging, quality laboratories and certification facilities in the cosmetics sector as well,” she said.
She also highlighted the potential of Bangladesh’s agricultural and natural resources.
“If we can build a strong supply chain of certified botanical and herbal ingredients by utilizing Bangladesh’s agriculture and natural resources, this sector will not only meet domestic demand but also open new export opportunities for Bangladesh in the global market,” she said.
The state minister said the government wanted to take the industry beyond “Made in Bangladesh” towards “Formulated, Developed and Branded in Bangladesh”.
She called for investment facilitation, internationally recognized testing and certification, intellectual property protection, sustainable packaging and support for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs.
“If we can establish an integrated industrial base by ensuring environmentally friendly production, safe raw materials and international standards, the cosmetics and personal care sector could emerge as a new and powerful area for foreign currency earnings, employment generation and economic diplomacy in Bangladesh,” she added.
Cosmética Dhaka 2026 features brands, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and health experts from 16 countries, including South Korea, Thailand, the United States, France, Singapore, China, Japan and India.
The three-day exhibition has more than 100 stalls, along with live demonstrations, beauty consultations, expert discussions and networking opportunities.
BIAA President Baharul Monsur said the cosmetics and personal care industry had been growing every year and called for more investment through the exhibition.
Frank Kenton, senior perfumer at Senses International Ltd, said Bangladesh was one of the promising markets in South Asia, but products must remain affordable for consumers.
SM Faisal Munim, CEO of Squad Mind Global Ltd, said the organizers expected the exhibition to attract more local and foreign investment and establish itself as a business-matching platform.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors from 10am to 7pm every day.