Govt forms task force to boost leather exports

The government has formed a 31-member task force to recommend measures and prepare an action plan for developing the country’s leather industry, with a focus on boosting production capacity, diversifying products and expanding export markets.

The industries minister will head the task force, while the commerce minister and the environment, forest and climate change minister will serve as members, according to a notification published on November 2.

The committee also includes the chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, the principal secretary to the prime minister, secretaries of several ministries, representatives of Bangladesh Bank, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), and industry associations.

An additional secretary or joint secretary of the relevant wing of the Industries Ministry will serve as member-secretary.

The task force has been asked to assess the industry’s production capacity, rawhide processing, product diversification and preparedness for Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.

It will also recommend ways to improve the sector’s competitiveness, attract investment, expand exports and strengthen its position in the global value chain.

Environmental compliance is another key area of focus. The committee will review the performance of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate and recommend measures to help factories meet international environmental and compliance standards, including those set by the Leather Working Group (LWG).

The task force will also examine ways to introduce traceability across the leather supply chain, from rawhide collection and preservation to finished products, while promoting environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards and sustainable supply chain practices.

It will recommend measures to improve access to finance, technology and infrastructure, as well as identify opportunities to expand Bangladesh’s presence in international markets through branding and stronger integration into the global value chain.

The committee has been directed to submit a preliminary roadmap, action plan and recommendations to the government within 60 days of its formation.

It may co-opt additional members and form subcommittees to seek expert opinions and carry out its responsibilities. The Industries Ministry will provide secretarial support to the task force.

The move comes as Bangladesh seeks to unlock the export potential of its leather and footwear industry, which has long struggled to translate its raw material advantage into higher-value exports.

The sector earned $1.23 billion in export receipts in fiscal year 2025-26, up 7 percent from the previous year, according to EPB data.

However, unresolved environmental compliance issues at the Savar tannery estate continue to constrain access to some international markets.

Source: The Daily Star