Packaging industry could hit $50b in exports with policy support: Amir Khasru
Technological modernisation, supportive policies are crucial to sustainable growth of apparel sector, industry leaders say
Bangladesh's packaging industry has the potential to achieve exports worth $50 billion, similar to the country's garment sector, if it receives adequate policy support and attention, BNP Standing Committee Member and former commerce minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said today (14 January).
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of GTB 2026 (Garment Technology Bangladesh), the country's largest garment technology exhibition, he said the global packaging market is vast, but over-regulation continues to hinder business growth in Bangladesh.
"Bangladesh is an over-regulated country for doing business, which makes entrepreneurship extremely difficult. At the same time, a group of corrupt business oligarchs has emerged under political patronage. We want to ensure a level playing field for all businesses," he said.
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Highlighting changing consumer behaviour, Amir Khasru said packaging now often draws more attention than the product itself, making it a highly promising export-oriented sector.
The four-day exhibition, jointly organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), began today at the Expo Village of International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).
BGAPMEA President Md Shahriar said Bangladesh is failing to capitalise on the global packaging market, estimated at around $700 billion, due to the absence of export incentives and supportive policies.
He said the sector currently records nearly $1.6 billion in direct exports and over $7.8 billion in deemed exports, but growth remains constrained by regulatory and policy barriers.
NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan, FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, BGMEA Acting President Salim Rahman, and Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker were also present.
Industry leaders and policymakers at the event stressed that technological modernisation, higher productivity and supportive policies are vital for the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) sector.
They also underscored the need for greater adoption of smart manufacturing and green technologies, alongside continued workforce skill development.
Amir Khasru said Bangladesh has already secured a strong foothold in the global apparel market, but sustaining growth will require moving beyond labour-intensive production.
"To remain competitive, the industry must embrace technological advancement, smart manufacturing and environmentally sustainable solutions," he said, adding that workforce skill development must be prioritised through coordinated government and private-sector efforts.
GTB 2026 is showcasing advanced garment machinery, accessories, packaging solutions, yarn and fabrics, offering local manufacturers access to modern technologies under one roof.
Two other major exhibitions—GAPExpo 2026, the country's largest garments, accessories and packaging exhibition, and Bangladesh Yarn Fabrics & Accessories 2026—are being held alongside GTB 2026.
More than 450 brands from over 15 countries are participating across 1,500 booths, making it the largest garment technology event in Bangladesh. The exhibition will remain open to visitors until January 17, daily from 11am to 7pm.
