Competitiveness of manufacturers crucial to cope with challenges Says Commerce adviser

Enhancing competitiveness of the country's manufacturers is crucial to cope with imminent challenges to emerge from LDC graduation, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said on Wednesday.

"I would earnestly request the entrepreneurs to invest in enhancing competitiveness," said the adviser.

He also said lowering cost and increasing productivity are vital for enhancing competitiveness in comparison to other countries, he added.

He made the observations while he was addressing the opening ceremony of four-day '17th Bangladesh International Plastic, Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair', or IPF 2025 on Wednesday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital's Kuril.

Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BPGMEA) and the Yorkers Trade & Marketing Company have jointly hosted the event with the support ministry of commerce.

The Financial Express is one of the media partners of the event.

Md. Jashim Uddin, SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) president; Abdur Rahim Khan, secretary (Routine Charge) to the Ministry of Commerce & Project Director, EC4J; Shamim Ahmed, BPGMEA president; were present, among others.

In his speech, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin said, "Bangladesh will graduate from the Least developed countries (LDCs) in November, 2026, so we have to increase production capacity, and competitiveness to combat with global market. Otherwise, we have to fall in various difficulties in future."

Underscoring the importance of the plastic sector, he said there is huge demand for plastic items due to aesthetics appearance and usability.

The adviser also underscored the need for the use of necessary products without plastic packaging to reduce plastic use.

Mr Jashim Uddin said Bangladesh can increase its exports of plastics goods to $5-$6 billion from current $2.5 billion in the next five years if the plastic industry gets enough energy supply and proper infrastructure as well as quality products.

"As a SAARC chamber, I try to expand our regional business. The industry has huge opportunities of plastics goods in almost countries. In developed countries, per capita consumption of plastic items is around 80 kg-100 kg. But its consumption is around 9 kg in Bangladesh," he added.

The exhibition will remain open daily from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm for visitors to witness latest innovation, products, services, machinery and process at the fair, according to the organisers.

Nearly 390 brands from 18 countries are taking part in the exhibition that is expected to help introduce new products and services related to plastic manufacturing, recycling, and upcycling.

Both domestic companies and international exhibitors from countries including China, India, Germany, Japan, Italy, Vietnam, the UAE, Turkey, and the UK will join the fair.

Five seminars on plastic waste management, recycling, and the circular economy are also taking place in the expo's side-line.

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