Thrust on Leather Needed
We are delighted at the news of an international fair for the country's leather products in an attempt to give a real boost to this important industrial sector for the first time. This is one sector which is almost self-sufficient so far as raw material and trained labour force are concerned. Despite its tremendous export potential the leather sector has not received the treatment it deserves. In the absence of a clear-cut government policy this important industry which fetches more than Tk 1000 crore in foreign currency every year is practically struggling to survive. The country is deprived of a doubling of foreign currency earning aside from creation of job opportunities and expansion of the sector.
The government must not waste further time in preparing a comprehensive policy guideline for this vital sector of our economy and offer all necessary financial and legal help and also provide incentives to those factories that will be environment-friendly. Apart from earning foreign currency this sector also contributes handsomely in local currency to the public exchequer and has already established itself as the third biggest export-oriented sector after garments and frozen food. We are confident that given proper incentives and progressive policy guidelines by the government our leather sector will be able to successfully compete with Pakistan and India in the international market. We wish all success and godspeed to the Bangladesh Finished Leather and Leathergoods Exporters Association (BFLLEA) in their maiden venture of an exhibition designed as a major marketing exercise.
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