News

Dec 15, 2025

The 11th edition of LEATHERTECH Bangladesh 2025, one of the nation’s flagship international technology exhibitions for the leather, footwear, and leather goods industry, was inaugurated on 4 December at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka. The three-day fair, being held from 4–6 December, has brought together over 200 leading exhibitors from eight countries, showcasing innovative machinery, chemicals, components, advanced design solutions, and modern manufacturing technologies. LEATHERTECH Bangladesh 2025 a premier exhibition platform, promoting business networking, technology transfer, investment collaboration, and capacity development across Bangladesh’s fast-growing leather and footwear value chain.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished policymakers, industry leaders, and representatives from academia. The event was graced by Mr. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), who attended as Chief Guest. Among the Special Guests were Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Mahin, Chairman of the Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods & Footwear Exporters Association (BFLLFEA); Mr. Syed Nasim Manzur, President of the Leathergoods & Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB); and Professor Shams Rahman, Vice Chancellor of East West University (EWU).

In his welcome address, Mr. Nanda Gopal K, Director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd., expressed gratitude to exhibitors, buyers, industry associations, international delegates, and partners for their strong participation. He acknowledged their contribution to advancing Bangladesh’s leather and footwear sector and fostering global collaboration.

Representing international partners, Mr. Zhan Ming, President of the Guangdong Shoe-Making Machinery Association (GSMA), reaffirmed GSMA’s commitment to supporting the technological advancement of Bangladesh's leather industry. He emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing, skill transfer, and collaborative development in making Bangladesh more competitive in global markets.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Guest Mr. Mohiuddin Ahmed Mahin reiterated that leather and leather goods are among Bangladesh's most promising export categories. He emphasized that LEATHERTECH contributes significantly to enhancing global visibility and strengthening the country’s export readiness.

Addressing the audience, Mr. Syed Nasim Manzur noted that Bangladesh’s leather sector stands at a strategic point of accelerated expansion. He stated:

“The leather industry of Bangladesh is now at a crossroads to accelerate export-oriented manufacturing. To move to the next level, policy liberalization is essential. If we strengthen connections between Bangladesh and neighboring economies, technological development within the leather sector will progress even faster.”

Chief Guest Mr. Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the investment climate, ensuring smoother regulatory facilitation, and promoting advanced manufacturing practices. He noted that large-scale exhibitions such as LEATHERTECH play an important role in encouraging technology-driven industrial growth, attracting foreign investors, and enhancing enterprise-level competitiveness.

A key highlight of the ceremony was the insightful address delivered by Professor Shams Rahman, the Honorable Vice Chancellor of East West University. He emphasized the critical need for highly skilled graduates to sustain industry growth and drive technological modernization. Reflecting on the achievements of EWU’s Executive Development Center (EDC), he noted that the center has successfully produced around 600 graduates to date, over 80% of whom are currently employed or engaged in entrepreneurial ventures within relevant sectors. Looking ahead, he stated that by 2028, the EDC aims to produce an additional 480 professionally trained graduates, thereby contributing significantly to reducing skill shortages in manufacturing, supply chain operations, industrial engineering, and factory automation. He further expressed confidence that the accomplishments and demonstrated impact of the EDC will enable the continuation and expansion of its programs well beyond 2028

He further expressed strong optimism that, following the notable global success of Bangladesh’s garments industry, the leather sector stands as the next frontier for brand development and international competitiveness. With enhanced compliance assurance, greater technological adoption, and deeper integration into global markets, he noted that Bangladesh holds realistic potential to reach USD 5 billion in annual export earnings from the leather and leather-goods sector.

The three-day exhibition LEATHERTECH Bangladesh 2025 exhibition is expected to facilitate new investment opportunities, global partnerships, and technology-driven transformation—solidifying Bangladesh’s position as a competitive player in the international leather and footwear market.