Experts in the packaging and accessories sector emphasised the need for business-friendly policies to build a sustainable packaging sector in Bangladesh.

They also said that, along with adequate policy support, sufficient government incentives could help the sector reach the level of the ready-made garment industry in the future.

They were speaking at the closing session of the major trade shows, including the Garment Technology Tradeshow in Bangladesh, or GTB 2026, the 14th edition of the Garment Accessories and Packaging Tradeshow, or GAP Expo 2026, and the 12th edition of the ‘Bangladesh Yarn Fabrics Accessories Show 2026’.

Started on January 14, the four-day show on machinery, accessories, and packaging ended on Saturday at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital, organised by Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association and ASK Tradeshows & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd.

Showkat Aziz Russell, president of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, said that there was no alternative to self-reliance.

‘We have now become self-sufficient in packaging and accessories, but certain policies are pushing the industry towards destruction,’ he added.

If the FOC import facility were increased to 100 per cent, all products would be imported, making it impossible for local factories to survive, he added, saying that the government should take adequate policy measures to support the domestic industries.

He also urged strengthening self-sufficiency and enhancing business competitiveness by abolishing many domestic barriers, including excessive port taxes, levies, and production costs.

Addressing the event as the chief guest, former commerce minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury said that he was optimistic after seeing the sector’s dynamism and capacity.

‘In the last fiscal year, exports from the packaging and accessories sector amounted to $7.45 billion, and with proper support, this sector could surpass the garment industry in the future,’ he added.

He also said that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party would stand by businesspeople to resolve all sectoral challenges if it formed the next government.

In his speech, Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, president of the Bangladesh Employers’ Federation, said that although the sector remained one of the country’s most ‘underrated’, it was already the second-largest export-earning sector.

He also said that over the past year, business conditions have deteriorated significantly.

‘What we need now is a stable, democratic government on which foreign investors put trust, to accelerate economic growth and investment,’ he added.

Export Promotion Bureau director Abu Mokhles Alamgir Hossain said that this year’s exhibition was more successful than last year’s.

To increase Bangladesh’s share in the global 700-billion-dollar packaging market, policy support is essential.

‘We would organise seminars on the sector’s challenges under the ‘Product of the Year’ initiative and would engage with the National Board of Revenue to ensure bond facilities and other incentives,’ he added.

Md Shahriar, president of the BGAPMEA, said that Bangladesh is missing out on untapped opportunities in the global packaging market due to inadequate policy support and the absence of export incentives.

He also said that corrupt individuals involved in money laundering had disguised themselves as businessmen and siphoned off crores of taka from banks.

‘Genuine entrepreneurs never loot the country’s money,’ he added, urging the government to take measures against money launderers and to take initiatives for easing the business environment for the genuine businessmen.  

According to the BGAPMEA, 350 local and foreign companies, including BGAPMEA members, participated in the trade shows at 1,500 stalls, including companies from India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia, Germany, and Turkey.

Organisers said the fair showcased machinery, raw materials, and locally manufactured products for the garments, accessories, and packaging industries.

This year’s exhibition attracted more than 100,000 visitors, creating effective linkages between buyers and sellers, they said.

On the closing day, eight stalls were awarded crests in recognition of being selected as the ‘Best Stalls’ at the exhibition.