BPGMEA calls for proper management of plastic

Sector insiders and officials on Wednesday underscored the need for proper management of plastic goods instead of imposing a ban on it as it has become a necessity despite its link to environment pollution.

They also demanded that the authorities concerned should address issues of the higher tax and non-cooperation from the revenue authorities, including the NBR and customs.

They made the observation at a "Focus Group Discussion" titled "Contribution of the Plastic Industry to the Economy of Bangladesh" held at a city hotel, organised by Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA).

Stakeholders concerned discussed the current status, challenges, prospects and contribution of the plastic industry to the national economy. Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman was present as the chief guest and assured the BPGMEA government support for sustainable business growth by finding a solution to existing barriers.

Speaking on the occasion, SME Foundation Chairman Md. Musfiqur Rahman, who was present as a special guest, said, "As we cannot avoid it (plastic) we have to manage it. Being the 12th exporter of plastic goods in the world, Bangladesh has more to do in the sector."

Citing Japan as an example, where productivity is a thousand times higher than in Bangladesh, he suggested focusing on skill development and training as the plastic industry have significant potential after RMG.

Shams Zaman, Country Managing Partner of PWC Bangladesh, made the keynote presentation. In his presentation, he noted that Bangladesh has over 6,000 plastic manufacturing units, with nearly 80 per cent of them being MEs and about 450 export-oriented firms. Together, these units employ an estimated 1.5 million people, offering significant livelihood opportunities, including for women in areas such as toy and packaging production.

The sector meets over 80 per cent of domestic demand valued at almost USD 3 billion by producing more than 2,500 types of products ranging from packaging and textiles to construction materials, household goods, and automotive components.

Some 34 local and multinational company representatives shared their views on business challenges and prospects in the sector. They alleged that plastic companies are being subjected to "torture" in the name of environmental compliance. While foreign goods imported with poly or plastic packaging see no barriers, local companies face regulations, they said.

In her speech, Hosna Ferdous Sumi, Senior Private Sector Specialist, World Bank, laid stress on mitigating the finance gap and analysing the skill manpower gap as the industries, including the plastic, would face challenges in days to come, particularly when it comes to adopting advanced technology, AI.

Md. Houmyoun Kabir Khan, Director, Strategic Investment Unit, BIDA, said that raising awareness among citizens is crucial to stop plastic pollution. He emphasised the need for 3R approach--Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and also outlined efforts of the government agency to support business and eliminate barriers.

BPGMEA President Shamim Ahmed chaired the event.

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