The fourth edition of Bangladesh Leather Footwear & Leathergoods International Sourcing Show (BLLISS-2023) will begin on Thursday (12th October) at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) in Dhaka.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leathergoods International Sourcing Show in the afternoon on the day.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi announced this on Monday at a press conference held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Dhaka, while President of  Leathergoods And Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), while Convenor of BLLISS Working Committee 2023 Syed Nasim Manzur presided over the press conference.

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The international exhibition, from 12-14 October, is going to be jointly organized by the LFMEAB and Ministry of Commerce of Bangladesh.

BLLISS-2023 will provide an effective platform for buyers, brands, and sourcing representatives to be connected with top-level manufacturers and exporters of leather products, footwear manufacturers & exporters, and allied industries in Bangladesh and facilitate effective networking and business development as well as present investment potential.

The theme of BLLISS-2023 is set as "Possible. In Bangladesh" while the key goal of BLLISS-2023 is to brand and position Bangladesh as a resilient, reliable, and resourceful sourcing solution in the global leather products and footwear value chain.

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Tipu Munshi said that Bangladesh aspires to become a developed country by 2041 and the leather sector, being the second largest export earner for the country, plays an integral role in our march towards this vision becoming a reality.

"We are focusing on the strengthening of our export-led growth and diversifying our exports. Our Ministry is working hard to increase the number of foreign buyers and investors and in the process, making Bangladesh an international hub for export of leather products and footwear," he added.

Syed Nasim Manzur said as the world emerges from the Covid-19 crisis, they are relooking at their sourcing strategies from managing crises to developing new countries of origin. In such circumstances, this international sourcing show is expected to attract new buyers, many of whom are looking beyond Vietnam and China to countries like Bangladesh, India and Indonesia.

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"Apart from the show, 3 dedicated breakout sessions will take place on the sidelines, where more than 200 industry leaders, policymakers, and foreign guests including students from different universities will take part," he informed.

Advisor of LFMEAB & President, MCCI Saiful Islam said Bangladesh is rapidly emerging as a dependable source for sourcing leather products and footwear. "By showcasing Bangladesh's capability and strength in this sector BLLISS-2023 will open new business opportunities, and accelerate trade and investment resulting in sustainable growth and quality employment, he remarked.

James Ho, a Chinese investor & Managing Director of Xin Chang Shoes (BD) said: "We have already invested 130 million US dollars in Bangladesh with four factories and a fifth one coming. Our shoes are the best Ambassador for Bangladesh, showing the world what is possible."

Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary (Export), Ministry of Commerce, and members of the Executive Body of LFMEAB were present among others.