The 10th edition of 'Leathertech Bangladesh 2024,' an international trade show for leather, footwear machinery, shoe materials, chemicals, and accessories, began on Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.

The three-day event, organized by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, features nearly 200 exhibitors from 20 countries.

Bangladesh’s leather and leather products industry is growing, with manufacturers looking for better technologies to improve quality, efficiency, and sustainability. The event also helps newcomers to the industry learn about and source the tools and materials they need.

Despite slowdowns in some global markets, Bangladeshi exporters report higher orders thanks to low labour costs, which make “Made in Bangladesh” shoes more affordable.

The leather sector, serving both local and international markets, is set for further growth. Bangladeshi factories’ high-quality production is helping the industry meet global demand.

According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladeshi shoemakers earned $228.47 million in exports from July to October this year, up 9% from $182.11 million in the same period last year.

Bangladesh’s footwear market is also expected to grow to $3.33 billion by 2024, with an annual growth rate of 5.66% forecasted between 2024 and 2028, according to Statista.

BDST: 1711 HRS, NOV 21, 2024
MSK