Industry leaders and experts have called for the immediate implementation of business-friendly policies and the support of an elected government to unlock the potential of the sustainable packaging sector.
Speakers at a high-profile industry event stated that with the right policy framework, this sector—already the country's second-largest export earner—could eventually surpass the Readymade Garments (RMG) industry.
These observations were made on Saturday during the closing ceremony of Garments Accessories & Packaging Expo (GAPEXPO) 2026 and Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) Expo2026. The four-day mega-exhibition, organized by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), concluded at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).
Chief Guest Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, former commerce and home minister, expressed high optimism regarding the sector's trajectory. "In the last fiscal year, the packaging and accessories sector generated $7.45 billion in exports. This sector's energy and capacity are remarkable," he said.
He further noted that if the BNP forms the government in the future, it would stand by the business community to resolve all systemic issues hindering the sector.
Fazle Shamim Ehsan, President of the Bangladesh Employers Federation (BEF), highlighted that while the sector is often "underrated," its ability to import raw materials and re-export them as finished goods proves its immense capability.
He stressed the need for a stable, democratic government to restore foreign investor confidence and accelerate economic growth.
Industry leaders also voiced concerns regarding current trade regulations. Shaukat Aziz Russell, President of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), warned that certain policies are pushing the industry toward a crisis.
Russell argued that if the ‘Free of Cost’ (FOC) import facility is allowed at 100 percent, domestic factories will fail as all products will be sourced from abroad.
He called for a reduction in extra taxes and port levies to enhance the competitiveness of local manufacturers.
Additionally, Md. Shahriar, President of BGAPMEA, emphasized the integrity of real entrepreneurs, noting that while corrupt individuals have laundered money under the guise of business, true industrialists are committed to the nation's wealth.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) reported that this year’s expo was 80 percent more successful than the previous year. Abu Mokhles Alamgir Hossain, Director of EPB, highlighted the $700 billion global packaging market as a major opportunity.
"As the 'Product of the Year,' we will organize seminars to address this sector's challenges and engage with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) to ensure bond facilities and other necessary support," he stated.
The 15th GAPEXPO-2026, held from January 14–17, featured 1,500 stalls and 350 domestic and international companies from countries including India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia, Germany, and the UAE.
The organizers reported over 100,000 visitors, facilitating vital connections between global buyers and local sellers. The event concluded with the presentation of "Best Stall" awards to eight exceptional participating companies.