Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), inaugurated the 11th edition of the International Technology Tradeshow LEATHERTECH BANGLADESH 2025.
This event focuses on leather, footwear machinery, shoe materials, chemicals, and accessories for the footwear and leather goods sectors at the Expo Village of the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, according to a statement from organisers.
Leaders from industry associations in Bangladesh, China, India, and Pakistan were in attendance.
Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun stated, “Bangladesh’s leather industry now stands on the threshold of realising its full potential. An exhibition like ‘Leathertech’ is not merely a showcase; it is a remarkable initiative to realise the sector’s potential. Such events signal that the leather industry is ready to enter a new chapter. I firmly believe that with coordinated efforts between the public and private sectors, Bangladesh’s leather industry will advance much further.”
Syed Nasim Manzur, President of the Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (LFMEAB), remarked, “The leather industry of Bangladesh is at a crossroads, poised to accelerate export-oriented manufacturing. To move to the next level, policy liberalisation is essential. If we strengthen the right connections between our country and neighbouring economies, technological development within the leather sector will progress even faster.”
Mohiuddin Ahmed Mahin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods, and Footwear Exporters’ Association (BFLLFEA), stated, “Leather goods are one of the most promising export sectors in our country. Events like ‘Leathertech’ are contributing to strengthening our position in the international market.”
The 11th edition features pavilions from the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) in India, the Pakistan Tanners Association (PTA), the India Footwear Components Manufacturers Association (IFCOMA), and the Confederation of Indian Footwear Industries (CIFI), as well as a pavilion from the Guangdong Shoe-Making Machinery Association (GSMA) from China. The event is supported by most leading industry associations, with LFMEAB providing lead support. Nearly 200 exhibitors from 8 countries, including Bangladesh, are participating in this largest technology tradeshow for the leather sector in the country, according to Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, Managing Director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, the event organisers.
LEATHERTECH Bangladesh began eleven years ago as a technology platform designed to bring manufacturing technologies for footwear, travel goods, and allied products closer to end users. Over the years, it has become the preferred platform for exploring the Bangladesh Leather, Footwear, and Travel Goods sectors. In the last decade, it has established itself as the “Networking Platform of the Leather Sector” in the country.
The leather and footwear industry is Bangladesh’s second-largest export sector after ready-made garments, contributing approximately 3% of the global leather goods market and meeting nearly 10% of global leather demand. Designated as a priority sector for export diversification under the Industry Policy 2022, this industry is positioned as a global sourcing hub, supported by a cost-competitive workforce, abundant raw materials, and targeted policy incentives.
In October FY25–26, Bangladesh’s leather and footwear exports continued to recover, posting 9.7% year-on-year growth to $591.5 million, up from $539.4 million last year, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Overall, the leather and leather products segments remain key growth engines, while the footwear sector shows early signs of stabilisation after months of fluctuation. Bangladesh’s export base continues to diversify, strengthening its position as a resilient and evolving global sourcing hub.
In this context, the technology, materials, and accessories showcased at LEATHERTECH Bangladesh 2025 will be extremely beneficial for factories looking to expand capacity, diversify product lines, and enter the sector. For years, this show has helped budding entrepreneurs access global technology and manufacture footwear for the domestic market.
(Photo local media)
