The second most export earner for Bangladesh, the leather sector is fast reemerging from the pandemic-induced downturn. In the first six months of the current fiscal, Bangladesh’s leather export earnings grew 56 per cent to $563.96 million. To sustain this growth momentum, the government has set a target of earning $12 billion from leather exports between 2021 and 2030.

Focus on product quality and design

To achieve this target, Bangladesh needs to improve the quality of leather exports, says The Financial Express. Government needs to step up investments in the sector besides gaining expertise in product design. It also needs to introduce training programs to create skilled manpower for the tannery sector besides obtaining the Leather Working Group (LWG)'s certification. The government also needs to address the existing bottlenecks in the tannery sector by ensuring that the central effluent treatment plant for the tannery units in Savar remains functional.

Create efficient supply chains and backward linkages

Another focus of the government needs to be on creating efficient supply chain and backward linkage management for the industry. This will help Bangladesh achieve its leather export targets by 2030. The growth of global footwear market from $1.0 billion per day currently to reach $530 billion annually by 2027 will also help strengthen its position in world leather market.

Besides, being a great export earner, leather sector also helps Bangladesh create new employment opportunities. The government therefore, needs to further expand the sector by making more investments in it. This will enable achieve its target of earning $12 billion from leather exports by 2030.