Bangladesh’s inability to diversify its export basket has been well documented, this newspaper has editorialized countless times on the issue as well. However, it is disappointing that, often enough, it is internal issues that act as the greatest hurdles for certain industries to take off.
The leather industry in the country is one such example; there is no doubt that Bangladesh, holding advantages like geopolitical stability and an abundant motivated workforce, should be doing much better with regard to grabbing more of the leather market.
However, as outlined recently by experts related to the industry, issues such as slow customs clearance and cumbersome port services continue to hold it back. Furthermore, a lack of prioritization with regard to skill development of the workers means that it is viewed by the rest of the world as a destination for inferior quality -- an issue that has plagued other industries as well.
It goes without saying that we cannot deliver the best quality products with these issues persisting, nor can we deliver any products on time. It is therefore imperative for the authorities concerned to look into this with the seriousness it warrants and try to address the root causes.
Skill development across all of our sectors, but especially one as promising as leather manufacturing should be a no-brainer; this is where collaboration with other nations and inviting their expertise, particularly with regard to technological advancements, should be explored.
And the bureaucracy and red tape that slows processing has to be addressed; this is an issue that is brought up time and time again across our industries, and we will simply fail to reach our potential as a nation if we cannot eliminate these retrograde issues that have no place for an ambitious economy of the 21st century.
Bangladesh has to diversify its economy and leather remains among the most promising industries that could yield significant dividends. We must address the issues plaguing it and allow it to flourish.