Bangladesh’s engineering and light engineering sector holds the potential to tap into the $7 trillion global market and boost exports to $100 billion with the right policy support and investment, said Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners’ Association (BEIOA) President Md Abdur Razzaque.

He also mentioned that the domestic market for engineering products is valued at around Tk 40,000 crore, with local manufacturers able to meet up to 50 per cent of the demand, while the remainder is met through imports.

Razzaque made the remarks at a press conference on the upcoming Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025, organised by the BEIOA on May 27, at the Economic Reporters Forum Auditorium in Dhaka.

Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025 is set to be held on May 29 and May 30 at the Shahid Abu Sayed International Convention Center, Shahbagh, Dhaka.

BEIOA will host the Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025 in collaboration with the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project under the Ministry of Commerce.

The two-day event will feature leading domestic light engineering companies showcasing the latest technologies, components, and innovative products.

The expo aims to provide participating firms with a platform to present their goods and services, helping them connect with new buyers and potential investors.

BEIOA President said that the sector’s significant contribution to the national economy.

He noted that Bangladesh’s light engineering industry employs over 300,000 people, contributes nearly 3 per cent to the GDP, and exports products worth more than $795 million annually.

‘The global market for engineering and light engineering products is worth $7 trillion, yet Bangladesh’s share is less than 1 per cent,’ Razzaque said. ‘With the right policy support, investment, and infrastructure, the sector has the potential to tap into this untapped market and achieve up to $100 billion in exports.’

The inauguration ceremony will feature Md Mahbubur Rahman, Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, as the Chief Guest.

Special guests include Md Hafizur Rahman, Administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) and Md Abdur Rahim Khan, Project Director of EC4J.

The expo will feature 44 stalls from 27 domestic companies, showcasing a wide range of products including dyes and moulds, industrial parts, agricultural equipment, metal casting and electric equipment.

Razzaque stressed the need for government support to modernise the domestic industry through technology transfer, quality improvement, and export expansion.

He urged the government to offer incentives similar to those in competing countries such as Vietnam, China, and India to enhance the sector’s competitiveness.

‘We request the establishment of dedicated, compliance-enabled industrial zones for light engineering products to maintain international standards,’ he said. ‘Additionally, reducing customs duties on raw materials and offering cash incentives and easier access to bank loans will help accelerate industrial growth.’

He also called for the development of a simple and effective patent registration system to protect locally made components and designs, along with training and incentives to boost employment for women and youth.

Highlighting the expo as a vital sourcing and networking platform, Razzaque said it would showcase domestic manufacturing capabilities and attract new markets and investments.

Responding to media queries, he confirmed the participation details and expressed confidence in the expo’s success.

EC4J Project Deputy Director Md Abdur Rahman echoed Razzaque’s optimism. He noted that the engineering sector is one of four key industries capable of competing with the country’s dominant ready-made garments sector.

‘The expo is a critical platform to connect manufacturers, importers, and buyers. Showcasing our potential will help reduce import dependence and boost exports,’ he said, adding that more expos—including those held abroad—are planned to attract international buyers.