BFTI Organizes Four(4) Focus Group Discussions on Export Market Diversification in the Leather Sector

The Bangladesh Foreign Trade Institute (BFTI) convened four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) under the study titled Export Market Diversification Opportunity for the Leather Sector of Bangladesh in Four Regions (Asia, North America, Middle East, and Europe), commissioned by the Social Science Research Council (SSRC), Planning Division, Ministry of Planning. The sessions were held at the BFTI Conference Room, Karwan Bazar, Dhaka, on 11–12 August 2025.

Mr. Md. Abdur Razzak, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Commerce  and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of BFTI, attended the event as the Chief Guest. Welcome remarks were delivered by Mr. Ahsanul Islam, Joint Director, BFTI. All sessions were moderated by Mr. Md. Julfikar Islam, Research Manager (Research/Study) at BFTI and International Trade Expert for the study. Region-specific keynote presentations were delivered by Ms. Asia Binta Amanat Sumi, Research Associate (WTO, GATS, Partnership, and TPR), BFTI, and Ms. Mahin Afrose, Research Associate (Europe and IPR), BFTI.

The FGDs were followed by interactive Q&A sessions, encouraging participants to share insights and practical perspectives. A total of 35 representatives from distinguished government, industry, and academic institutions attended the FGDs. From the government side, representatives from the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Planning, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI), and Bangladesh Small & Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) outlined existing policy measures aimed at fostering diversification within the leather sector.

From the think tank and academic community, institutions such as the Institute of Leather Engineering & Technology (University of Dhaka) and the Research and Policy Integration for Development (RAPID) contributed insights on ongoing studies related to the leather industry, with a focus on research and development (R&D) and skill enhancement within the sector.

Private sector entities and industry associations—primarily exporters of leather, leather goods, and footwear—such as the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA), Edison Footwear Limited, RFL Group, Leatherex Footwear Industries Limited, FB Footwear Ltd., Shoeniverse Footwear Ltd., Bay Footwear Ltd., Good Bags & Accessories Ltd., Accenture Footwear & Leather Products Ltd., and Xin Chang Shoes (BD) Ltd.—shared their perspectives on the key challenges faced in achieving export market diversification.

The study aims to evaluate the current state of product and market diversification in Bangladesh’s leather sector, identify related challenges and opportunities, and propose strategic policy measures to enhance its global competitiveness.