Light Engineering Export Potential Could Hit $100 Billion

The country’s light engineering sector has a potential to enter the huge untapped global market and to export up to $100 billion if adequate policy support, investment, and infrastructural development are ensured.

Md. Abdur Razzaque, President of Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners’ Association (BEIOA), said this at a press conference today at the Economic Reporters Forum (ERF) auditorium in the capital on the upcoming Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025.

The global market of engineering and light engineering products is worth $7 trillion where the share of Bangladesh is less than 1% there.

Razzaque also said that the domestic market of engineering products is about TK 40,000 crore, where they can meet up to 50% of the domestic demands while the country depends on imports for the rest.

Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025 is set to be held on May 29 and May 30 at the Shahid Abu Sayed International Convention Centre, Shahbagh, and Dhaka.

BEIOA will organize the expo in collaboration with the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project under the Ministry of Commerce.

Over the two-day event, leading domestic light engineering companies will showcase their latest technologies, components, and innovative products, said a press release.

Participating firms can present their goods and services, enabling them to connect with new buyers and potential investors.

Md. Abdur Razzaque highlighted the significant contribution of Bangladesh’s light engineering sector to the national economy.

He noted that the sector employs over 300,000 people and contributes nearly 3% to the country’s GDP.

“The sector annually exports products worth more than $795 million,  playing a vital role in economic diversification and employment generation,” he added.

The expo’s inauguration will take place on May 29 at 03:00 am, with Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, as the chief guest.

Md. Hafizur Rahman, Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), and Md. Abdur Rahim Khan, Project Director of the EC4J project will be present as special guests while the BEIOA President Md Abdur Razzaque will deliver the welcome speech.

At the expo, selected companies from the country will showcase their products including dye and mould, industrial parts, agricultural equipment, metal casting, electric equipment and others. 

Razzaque emphasized that through this expo, BEIOA seeks government support for modernizing domestic industries, technology transfer, product quality improvement, and export expansion.

He urged the government to offer incentives comparable to those enjoyed by competing countries like Vietnam, China, and India to enhance the light engineering sector's competitiveness and sustainability in international markets.

“We request the government to establish dedicated compliance-enabled industrial zones for light engineering products to maintain proper compliances and international standards,” he added. 

Moreover, Razzaque said reducing customs duties on raw materials and providing cash incentives and priority access to bank loans for this sector would accelerate industrial growth.

He further stressed the need for technology transfer, modern design development, and necessary training to achieve technical excellence.

Razzaque also called upon the government to introduce a simple and effective patent registration system to protect locally made components and designs.

He appealed for training and incentives to increase employment opportunities for women and youth.

Highlighting the expo as an effective sourcing and networking platform, Razzaque said that it would allow domestic manufacturers to showcase their capabilities while attracting new markets and investments.

He informed that there will be 44 stalls from 27 domestic companies at the expo. 

EC4J Project Director Md. Abdur Rahim Khan in his speech said that the engineering sector is one of four sectors that can compete closely with the readymade garment industry. 

He also said that the government is working as per the demand of the sector so that they can improve more.

“Expo is a very important platform to connect manufacturers, importers and buyers. If we can showcase our potential, it will assist us to reduce import dependency and accelerate exports,” he added. 

He also said they would organize more expo, even in abroad, to utilize it as a bigger opportunity to attract buyers. 

The BEIOA warmly invited all relevant stakeholders to participate actively in the Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025.