Explore potential of global market

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed yesterday called upon leather goods exporters to exploit potential of the global market as Bangladesh is emerging as a major supplier of such
products.
“We will have to produce exportable leather goods as the demand for such products is increasing worldwide,” the
minister said.
The government is working to relocate the hazardous tanneries of Hazaribagh in the capital to a new environment-friendly 'leather estate' in Savar, he said at the inauguration of a plant of Picard Bangladesh, an export-oriented leather goods manufacturer.
Picard, a Bangladesh-German joint venture based in Savar, has expanded its capacity as the demand for their products is on the rise.
The minister also said Bangladesh will be able to achieve the export target of $30.5 billion for the current fiscal year.

The country is trying to diversify its export items and markets to log higher export growth, he said.
The minister is hopeful that Bangladesh will regain the GSP in the US market within this year as the government has taken measures to improve workplace safety in factories in line with US recommendations.
“Currently, there is no labour unrest in the country. The government is also working to improve relation between workers and owners,” he said.
Saiful Islam, managing director of Picard Bangladesh, said around 4,000 workers have been employed in the new factory.
Picard has been producing leather goods for the last 18 years, he said, adding that they never witnessed labour unrest as they strictly follow labour laws.
Picard is a brand for high-end customers, mainly from Europe, he said.
Albrecht Conze, German ambassador to Bangladesh, Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, and Thomas Picard of Picard Germany also spoke.