LeatherTech Bangladesh 2025 opens, aims to boost leather & footwear industry

Dhaka hosted the 11th edition of "LeatherTech Bangladesh 2025" today (4 December) at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), showcasing machinery, footwear components, chemicals, and accessories for the leather and shoe industry. 

Over three days, the expo will provide a platform for local and international entrepreneurs to explore new business opportunities and innovations in the sector.

The opening ceremony saw representatives from Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan, and other countries. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, inaugurated the event. Syed Nasim Manzur, president of the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh, was a special guest.

Highlighting the industry's rapid growth, Syed Nasim Manzur said, "Bangladesh's leather and footwear sector has grown from $178 million in exports in 1990 to $1.67 billion in 2025. Yet, our potential is much higher — simplifying rules, improving skilled manpower, and faster shipping could help us achieve $5 billion in exports. International partnerships and regional trade expansion are key to the next stage."

Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun acknowledged the sector's challenges and potential, saying, "We're still just sewing fabrics, but we can't produce shoes with the right fit or quality. It's deeply frustrating, almost criminal. Even 54 years after independence, we're still running our economy by selling products, yet delaying new product development." 

Commending entrepreneurs' efforts, he said, "The government must prioritise this sector. Policies, incentives, and coordinated support are needed to take the leather industry to the next level."

Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, Managing Director of the organiser ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, said nearly 200 companies from eight countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and China, are participating. The event features pavilions from the Council for Leather Exports India, Pakistan Tanners Association, India Footwear Components Manufacturers Association, and China's Guangdong Su-Making Machinery Association. 

Since its inception 11 years ago, LeatherTech Bangladesh has evolved from a technology-focused platform to a key showcase for innovation and market expansion in the country's leather and footwear sector. Today, leather and footwear rank as Bangladesh's second-largest export sector after RMG, contributing 3% of global leather product supply and nearly 10% of global leather demand.

Focusing on export diversification, the sector is now actively working to establish itself as a strong player in the global market. The exhibition runs daily from 11am to 7pm, with free entry for business visitors.