Bangladesh’s packaging industry has the potential to generate export earnings of up to US $ 50 billion if appropriate policy support and a conducive business environment are ensured, BNP Standing Committee Member and former commerce minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said on Wednesday.
He made the remarks while speaking at the inauguration of Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) 2026 in Dhaka. He said the packaging sector could replicate the success of the country’s ready-made garment industry if it received focused policy attention and sustained institutional support.
Amir Khasru said that Bangladesh’s garment industry had already demonstrated the feasibility of achieving US $ 50 billion in exports and that the packaging industry had similar potential under the right policy framework and incentive structure.
He said that, should the BNP form the next government, policy reforms would be undertaken to accelerate the growth of the packaging and accessories sector.
Addressing structural challenges, Amir Khasru said Bangladesh remained an over-regulated economy, which continued to hinder entrepreneurship and private investment. He also said that politically backed business oligarchs had emerged, undermining fair competition, and stressed the need to ensure a level playing field for all businesses.
He noted that packaging had become an increasingly important factor in global consumer behaviour, often playing a decisive role in purchasing decisions. He said this trend made the packaging industry a particularly promising sector for Bangladesh’s export diversification.
Amir Khasru further said that sustaining growth in the apparel sector and its allied industries would require a shift away from labour-intensive production models. He emphasised the importance of prioritising technological advancement, smart manufacturing, environmental sustainability and workforce skill development through coordinated efforts by both the government and the private sector.
BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said the country’s accessories industry had sufficient capacity to meet the requirements of domestic apparel manufacturers. He urged the government to restrict imports of accessories that are already produced locally in adequate quantity and quality, in order to support domestic industries and reduce import dependence.
