Toy industry holds key to export diversification: DCCI chief

Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) President Taskeen Ahmed has said Bangladesh’s toy industry is creating new opportunities for export diversification and, with the right policy support, can play a significant role in strengthening the national economy.

He made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a roundtable discussion titled “Diversifying the Export Basket: Innovation, Export Potential and Market Expansion of the Toy Manufacturing Industry” held at the DCCI Auditorium in the capital.

The event was attended by Muhammad Mubinul Kabir, Member (Customs: Policy & ICT) of the National Board of Revenue (NBR); Martin Dawson, Deputy Development Director of the British High Commission in Dhaka; as well as business leaders, DCCI members, and media representatives.

Shamim Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BPGMEA) and Managing Director of Jalalabad Polymer, presented the keynote paper.

Highlighting recent progress, the DCCI president noted that Bangladesh exported toys worth USD 77 million to 88 countries. At present, more than 147 factories are engaged in toy production, employing around 20,000 workers—nearly 80 per cent of them women. Domestic investment in the sector currently stands at approximately Tk 50 billion, with the potential to double by 2030, he added.

Referring to global prospects, Ahmed said the worldwide toy market—valued at USD 102 billion in 2023—is projected to reach USD 150 billion by 2032. With China gradually shifting away from low-cost toy manufacturing due to rising production costs, he said Bangladesh and other emerging economies have a window of opportunity to capture new market share.

However, he also identified several challenges that could hinder sustainable industry growth. These include high import duties on raw materials, reliance on imported packaging, complex regulations, and limited access to the licensed toy market dominated by multinational brands.

To address these obstacles, he emphasised the need for establishing accredited local testing laboratories, providing training on design and innovation, engaging universities and technical institutes, promoting eco-friendly production, and expanding into new export markets through embassies and trade missions.

“The toy industry will not only contribute to export diversification but also play a vital role in women’s employment and in building a sustainable economy for the future,” Taskeen Ahmed said.

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