Local ceramics getting popular globally
Ceramic and porcelain wares made in Bangladesh are gaining popularity in international markets for their superior quality and affordable prices, stakeholders said on Saturday.
They said all major Bangladeshi ceramic companies have been expanding their plants and operations, propelled by increasing demand both at domestic and international markets.
The observations came at the closing ceremony of the country's first three-day ceramics expo organised by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BCMEA) at International Convention City Bashundhara.
Around 4,500 visitors thronged the event that saw some 60 participants with over 100 brands. Besides, four seminars for professionals were also conducted by university teachers.
Chief guest Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, prime minister's energy affairs adviser, found it very inspiring that the new generation was taking charge of the sector and that 400 foreign delegates attended the expo. He asked entrepreneurs to conduct research and develop products as per needs of international clients. Chowdhury said, giving priority to the ceramic industry, the government already addressed its demand for electricity. There will be no shortage of gas from next year as liquefied natural gas or LNG will be imported, he said.
MA Mannan, state minister for finance, said he has learnt a lot about the ceramic industry from the expo.
The industry is changing at great speed towards a better future, he said, adding that the government would always stand beside the sector.
Md Sirajul Islam Mollah, president of BCMEA, said there were currently 62 ceramic factories in the country and more were in the pipeline. Bangladesh's ceramic exports amounted to nearly $50 million last fiscal year.
Though the industry has a good chance to earn more through exports, it faces a number of problems, he said, pointing out that one has to wait for months to get his imported raw materials released from the Chittagong port. “This delay pushes our cost of production up,” said Mollah, also a ruling party lawmaker.