An international exhibition of jewellery machinery started in Dhaka on Thursday to promote technology integration in traditional jewellery industry to make the country's gold industry an export-oriented one.

Bangladesh Jewellers’ Association (BAJUS) in association with Indian partner KNC Services is organising the three-day International Jewellery Machinery Expo, the first of its kind in the country.

President of the Federation Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce Industry (FBCCI) Mahbubul Alam on inaugurated the expo as the chief guest.

The expo will be open for all from 11 am to 7 pm every day at International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) with the theme 'Technology for excellence in jewellery'.

Thirty companies from 10 countries, including India, Italy, Turkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, China, and Thailand, are participating in the expo.

FBCCI senior vice president Md. Amin Helaly and Chairman of Bashundhara Group Ahmed Akbar Sobhan attended the event as special guests.

Indian KNC Services founder and chief executive officer Kranti Nagvekar said her company supported Bangladesh in hosting an international expo after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and India.

"When we roam around the world, we hear compliments about ornaments made by Bangladeshi goldsmiths. When machines add value to the works of goldsmiths, Bangladesh will excel in global gold markets in style," she said.

Tishya CNC Engineering Works, Neo Instruments, Solanki Mechanic Works, Ira Corporation, Quantum Equipment, ACZET Solutions, and Pacio Traders from India were the participating companies.

Five companies from Bangladesh -- Dreamz Instrument Technology, RAJAISWARI, Expert Instrument Technology, Trust Instrument Bangladesh and RAT's BD -- are participating in the expo.