Stakeholders convene at BSCIC to discuss CMSM sector outlook

A seminar titled 'The Role of Cottage, Micro, Small and Medium (CMSM) Industries in Bangladesh's Economy: Challenges and Prospects' was held today, Sunday, 23 March 2025, at the headquarters of Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The adviser, Adilur Rahman Khan, formally inaugurated the seminar for the Ministry of Industries.
During his address, the Adviser said, "The government's goal is to create entrepreneurs. We must stand by existing entrepreneurs while opening up new opportunities for others."

The seminar included an open discussion session in which sector specialists, entrepreneurs, and policymakers exchanged views on the industrial sector's current state, challenges, and future.
Sheikh Nurul Huda, a honey entrepreneur trained by BSCIC, called for forming a 'Honey Board' to support long-term growth in the industry. "There is significant potential in honey production and export in Bangladesh. With proper policies and institutional support, it could become a major industry," he said.

Tahmina Shammi, a leather goods entrepreneur, urged for globally competitive marketing strategies to boost the leather sector. She remarked, "Bangladeshi leather products can thrive in international markets, but only if proper marketing and networking are ensured."

Entrepreneur Laki Bhuiyan, who promotes the handloom industry, said, "Handloom is an integral part of Bangladesh's culture and heritage. Introducing modern technology and training young entrepreneurs is essential to developing this sector."
Dr Farhad Ahmed, General Manager of BSCIC, encouraged entrepreneurs to engage directly with the organisation. He said BSCIC offers support services for small and medium entrepreneurs, but many remain unaware. He urged them to explore the One Stop Service Centre, loan programmes and other facilities.

BSCIC Chairman Md Saiful Islam announced plans to set up a permanent exhibition and sales centre on the ground floor of the BSCIC building, where products from local cottages and small industries will be displayed and sold regularly. He also highlighted various initiatives, including One Stop Service, loan schemes, entrepreneurship development programmes, API industrial park, expansion of industrial estates, and development plans for the salt, honey processing and leather sectors.
Secretary of the Ministry of Industries Obaidur Rahman said one of the current government's key objectives is to foster new entrepreneurs and develop the small and medium enterprise sector. He reiterated BSCIC's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs and stressed the need to address the corporation's operational limitations.

Also present at the seminar were BSTI Director General SM Ferdous Alam, Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Industries Md Nuruzzaman NDC, M A Kamal Billah and Rashidul Hasan, SME Foundation Managing Director Anwar Hossain Chowdhury, CMSME banking specialist Ali Sabet, as well as BSCIC entrepreneurs and representatives from various chambers.