Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today announced to establish two more leather industrial estates in Chittagong and Rajshahi divisions for further flourishing the leather sector, reports BSS.
"We will set up two new leather industry estates - one in Chittagong division and other in Rajshahi division - for further promoting the country's leather sector ... establishing such a zone only in Dhaka is not right, it will have to spread all over Bangladesh," she said.
Sheikh Hasina also said the government has taken a decision to keep the issue of continuing 15 percent cash incentive for the next five years under active consideration on a priority basis.
The move was taken to boost local and foreign investment in the leather sector and make it sustainable, she said.
The prime minister said this while inaugurating Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leathergoods International Sourcing Show (BLLISS) 2017 at International Convention Centre, Bashundhara in the capital this morning.
Sheikh Hasina opened the three-day show at the ICCB through videoconferencing from her official Ganabhaban residence here this morning.
The premier urged the foreign investors and buyers to invest more in Bangladesh's leather sector for further strengthening the country's economy.
"I call upon the foreign investors and buyers for investing in a larger volume in Bangladesh's leather sector and sourcing more in leather goods for further strengthening the country's economy," she said.
The Ministry of Commerce and the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) have jointly organised the event to attract more investment in the leather sector.
The theme of the show is "Think Ahead, Think Bangladesh".
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed was present at the function at ICCB as the special guest, while eminent entrepreneur Syed Manzur Elahi and LFMEAB President M Saiful Islam spoke.
The pre-recorded speeches of Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam and Acting FBCCI President Sheikh Fazle Fahim were played at the function.
PM's Private Sector Development Adviser Salman F Rahman and Press Secretary Ihsanul Karim were present at Ganabhaban, among others, while Director General (admin) of the PMO Kabir Bin Anwar moderated the function at Ganabhaban.
Ministers, parliament members, diplomats, dignitaries and the leaders of different trade bodies were also present at the ICCB. An audio-video presentation on the past, present and the future of Bangladesh's leather sector was made at the function.
Leaders of industrial sector, world famous brands and international buyers from 15 countries including China, India, Vietnam and Thailand are participating in the show.
Director General (admin) of the PMO Kabir Bin Anwar moderated the function at Ganabhaban. Ministers, parliament members, diplomats, dignitaries and the leaders of different trade bodies were also present at the ICCB.