Business-friendly policies vital to build sustainable packaging sector: Experts

Experts have emphasised the need for business-friendly policies to develop a sustainable packaging sector in Bangladesh, saying that with proper policy support and incentives from the government, the sector has the potential to surpass even the ready-made garment (RMG) industry in the future.

They made the remarks on Saturday at the closing ceremony of Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) 2026, held at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka city.

The four-day exhibition, the country’s largest garment technology show, was jointly organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA). The expo was formally inaugurated on Wednesday at the ICCB Expo Village.

BGAPMEA President Md Shahriar said corrupt individuals involved in money laundering had posed as businessmen to siphon off tens of millions of taka from banks, stressing that genuine entrepreneurs never plunder the country’s wealth.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Showkat Aziz Russell said there was no alternative to self-reliance for the country’s industrial growth.

“Although Bangladesh has achieved self-sufficiency in packaging and accessories, some existing policies are pushing the industry towards destruction,” he said.

He warned that allowing 100 per cent free-of-cost (FOC) imports would result in most products being sourced from abroad, making it difficult for local factories to survive. “To strengthen self-reliance, port-related excessive taxes and levies must be reduced to enhance business competitiveness,” he added.

Speaking as the chief guest, former commerce and home minister and former Air Vice Marshal Altaf Hossain Chowdhury said he was optimistic after witnessing the dynamism and capacity of the sector.

“In the last fiscal year, the packaging and accessories sector earned US$7.45 billion in export revenue. With proper opportunities and policy support, this sector can surpass the apparel industry in the future,” he said.

He also noted that if the BNP forms the next government, the party would stand beside entrepreneurs to resolve the sector’s challenges.

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation (BEF) President Fazlee Shamim Ehsan described the packaging and accessories industry as one of the country’s most underrated sectors, despite being the second-largest export-earning sector.

“Importing raw materials and exporting value-added products reflects our industrial capability. However, business conditions have deteriorated over the past year. A stable, democratic government trusted by foreign investors is crucial to accelerating economic growth and investment,” he said.

Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Director Abu Mokhles Alamgir Hossain said the expo was around 80 per cent more successful than last year.

“To increase Bangladesh’s share in the global US$700 billion packaging market, strong policy support is essential. We will organise seminars to highlight the sector’s challenges by declaring it a ‘Product of the Year’ and engage with the NBR to ensure bond and other facilities,” he said.

As part of efforts to diversify and expand export trade, BGAPMEA also organised the 15th Garments Accessories and Packaging Expo (GAPEXPO) 2026 alongside GTB. The four-day international exhibition was held from January 14 to 17.

This year, around 350 local and foreign companies, including BGAPMEA members, participated in the expo across 1,500 stalls. Companies from India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia, Germany and Dubai showcased their products.

According to the organisers, the exhibition featured state-of-the-art machinery, raw materials and locally manufactured products related to the garments accessories and packaging industry. They said the event attracted more than 100,000 visitors, creating effective linkages between buyers and sellers.

On the closing day, eight stalls were awarded crests after being selected as the ‘Best Stalls’ of the exhibition.

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