The 10th edition of Leathertech Bangladesh 2024, an international technology tradeshow focused on leather, footwear machinery, shoe materials, chemicals, and accessories for the footwear and leather goods sector, opened on Thursday at the Expo Zone of the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka.

The tradeshow will continue until November 23.

Nearly 200 exhibitors from 20 countries are participating in the event.

Over the years, the tradeshow has become the preferred platform for accessing and exploring Bangladesh’s leather, footwear, and travel goods sector.

Bangladesh’s leather and leather products sector continued to grow and expand, driven by manufacturers seeking updated technologies and solutions to improve quality, efficiency and environmental sustainability.

In recent months, the sector has achieved a five-year export high, marking a strong recovery after the prolonged challenges of the pandemic.

New orders are flowing in, and despite economic slowdowns in certain markets, local exporters are seeing rising demand from international buyers.

Bangladesh’s competitive labour costs have made ‘Made in Bangladesh’ footwear more affordable, further boosting its appeal in global markets.

Shah Mohammad Mahboob, Executive Member of BIDA, inaugurated the event as the chief guest.

The event was graced by prominent dignitaries, including AKM Mushfiqur Rahman Masud, President of the Leather Engineers & Technologists Society; Md Golam Shahnewaz, Managing Director of Dhaka Tannery Industrial Estate; Mohiuddin Ahmed Mahin, Chairman of BFLLFEA; Rafiqul Islam, Secretary General of the Leather Goods and Footwear Association; Hazi Md Fazlu, Acting President of the Bangladesh Paduka Prostutkarak Samity and Eric Illing, Managing Director of Wilhelm Textiles.