Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin has said that plastic products can play a significant role in diversifying export prospects.

The adviser came up with the remark while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the four-day 17th International Plastic, Packaging and Printing Industrial Fair at the Bashundhara International Convention City (ICCB) in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The adviser also stressed the need for policy formulation based on reality.

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“We must phase out harmful plastics while embracing good plastics. Our efforts should focus on increasing the responsible production and use of beneficial plastic products,” he said.

Mentioning that Bangladesh is going to graduate from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in November 2026, the adviser said the country will lose preferential market access due to this.

“The government will no longer be able to provide incentives. To overcome this challenge, we must enhance our competitiveness, improve productivity and reduce production costs. Without these capabilities, we will face severe difficulties,” he added.

Later, he visited different stalls at the fair.

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The fair is jointly organised by Bangladesh Plastic Product Manufacture and Export Association and Hong Kong-based Yorkers Trade & Marketing Service Co. Ltd. There are 800 stalls at the fair.

More than 390 brands from 18 countries, including China, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Vietnam, the UAE, Turkey, and the UK are showcasing their products and technologies.

The exhibition is open to visitors daily from 11 am to 7 pm.