Bata's highest-taxpayer status built on six decades of business

Being recognised as the highest taxpayer in Bangladesh's leather and footwear sector for seven consecutive years is certainly a matter of pride for us. But beyond the number itself, I believe it reflects the way Bata has operated responsibly and ethically in Bangladesh over the years.

We have been part of Bangladesh since 1962. Over more than six decades, Bata has been closely involved in the development of the country's organised footwear industry, not only through manufacturing and retail, but also through suppliers, distributors, franchise partners and the skilled people who have grown with the industry.

One of our most important contributions has been the ecosystem and capabilities built over this period. Many entrepreneurs and leaders in Bangladesh's footwear industry began their careers with Bata, developed their skills and experience here, and later went on to establish or grow their own businesses. In that sense, our contribution extends beyond our own organisation. The people and capabilities developed over the years have also played a role in strengthening local brands and the wider industry.

Infograph: TBS

We have also continuously brought new products, technologies and ideas to consumers in Bangladesh. From new styles and improved comfort to better quality and global footwear technologies, these developments have helped shape consumer expectations and contributed to the evolution of the local footwear market.

So, when we look at Bata's contribution to Bangladesh, I would not measure it only by the size of our tax payments. It is also about the jobs we create, the businesses and entrepreneurs we support, the skills we develop and the capabilities we help build across the value chain.

Looking ahead, I see significant opportunities to strengthen Bangladesh's footwear ecosystem further through partnerships, technology, skills development and investment. These will be increasingly important as the industry looks to move towards greater value addition.

The same principle applies to the future of "Made in Bangladesh". I believe its competitiveness can no longer be defined by cost alone. Quality, technology, productivity, skills and speed will increasingly determine how Bangladesh competes in global markets.

Infograph: TBS

Bata has deep manufacturing roots in Bangladesh, with our operations in Tongi and Dhamrai. Over the last six decades, we have continuously introduced new footwear technologies, product concepts, fashion trends and international standards to the Bangladesh market. We continue to bring global innovation in comfort, quality and style to local consumers.

An important part of this journey has been the development of our local supplier ecosystem. Today, more than 85% of the footwear we sell in Bangladesh is manufactured locally, supported by a broad network of local manufacturing partners and suppliers.

Working with Bata has allowed many of these partners to develop new technologies, production processes, quality systems and product-development capabilities. Some have now reached a stage where they are also supplying and exporting products to international markets.

For me, that is an important part of what value addition means. It is not simply about producing a product locally. It is about building the technology, skills, knowledge and capabilities that sit behind that product.

Infograph: TBS

We believe Bata can continue to contribute to this process by bringing global knowledge, technology and technical expertise into Bangladesh, while supporting our partners and suppliers in developing stronger local capabilities.

Bangladesh has a significant opportunity in footwear. The ambition should be to build an industry where "Made in Bangladesh" can compete with major footwear-producing countries not only on cost, but also on quality, technology, innovation and value addition. That is where I believe the next phase of the industry's growth lies.