Bangladesh’s packaging and accessories sector has been unable to tap into the global market due to the lack of policy support and export incentives, industry leaders said.
They also claimed that, while the global market size is estimated at $700 billion, Bangladesh’s exports from the sector are only about $0.5 billion.
They were speaking at a press conference on upcoming 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’.
The four-day show on machinery, accessories, and packaging would continue from January 14 to January 17 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital, organised by Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association and ASK Tradeshows & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd.
At the event, BGAPMEA president Md Shahriar said that almost all export-oriented sectors in the country enjoy incentives, but packaging and accessories remain excluded despite their strong growth potential.
He also said the sector could grow into a major export industry like readymade garments if direct exports were allowed and supported with incentives.
Shahriar said that competitor countries such as China, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia provide export incentives ranging from 4 per cent to 17 per cent for packaging and accessories products, enabling them to compete effectively in the global market.
‘We do not receive any such incentives, which puts us at a clear disadvantage internationally,’ he added.
He said that shopping bags and packaging materials are used worldwide to transport almost all products, including RMG exported from Bangladesh.
‘Ironically, while our garments are transported in shopping bags, those bags are often imported from other countries. With proper incentives, we could easily export these products ourselves,’ he said.
Although the government has declared ‘paper packaging’ as a product of the year for 2026, Shahriar said existing tax and duty structures continue to hinder growth.
He said paper below 300 GSM cannot be imported duty-free, while combined VAT, taxes, and duties range between 58 per cent and 83 per cent, making production costly and uncompetitive.
Removing these policy barriers, he added, would allow the sector to move forward.
Shahriar said BGAPMEA has already placed a set of proposals before the commerce ministry and expressed hope that the issues would be addressed through policy reforms.
Responding to a question, he said that the domestic industry is capable of producing 100 per cent of the country’s accessory and packaging needs, a capacity clearly demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said that some buyers have nomination requirements for specific packaging items, but these are exceptions.
Responding to another question, he said that there was no justification for maintaining separate policy treatments for direct and deemed exports in the industrial policy.
‘Equal benefits should be extended to both direct and deemed exports through policy changes,’ he added, saying that the sector currently receives no incentives under either category.
Regarding the trade exhibitions, he said that about 350 exhibitors from over 15 countries would participate at the trade shows at over 1500 booths.
The organisers said that due to the political situation, the number of global participants might be lower.
However, once a political government is formed, the situation would return to normal the next year.
Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, managing director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd, said that to remain competitive globally, Bangladesh must scale digital adoption across factories of all sizes, along with investments, attractions, and collaborating global brands.
The inauguration ceremony would be held on January 14, and the trade shows would host a gala night, seminars, and an award-giving ceremony on various days.
Leaders from the packaging and accessories sector also spoke at the event.
