Three-day Global Sourcing Expo 2025 opens in Dhaka
The Global Sourcing Expo 2025 – Dhaka has opened at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Centre in Purbachal, bringing together exporters, buyers and trade bodies from across the world in a major push to diversify Bangladesh’s export markets. Jointly organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the commerce ministry, the three-day event is being billed as a strategic international platform showcasing Bangladesh’s evolution from a global apparel powerhouse to a diversified export hub. The expo features products from eight major sectors: readymade garments, leather and leather goods, jute and jute products, agricultural goods, plastics and kitchenware, home décor and furniture, pharmaceuticals, and ICT. More than 100 firms are taking part, including multinational companies, wholesalers and supply-chain representatives. Buyers and sourcing organisations from Afghanistan, China, Iran, Japan, Myanmar, Pakistan, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the UAE, the US and several other countries are attending business-to-business meetings and negotiating potential contracts. The fair houses 200 stalls and includes 12 thematic seminars, fashion shows, product demonstrations, and both online and offline networking sessions. Organisers say the event is designed to connect local businesses with global buyers, trade bodies and new market opportunities to accelerate export growth and diversification. Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, who inaugurated the expo, said Bangladesh must accelerate diversification, strengthen competitiveness and adopt forward-looking trade policies as it prepares to graduate from the group of least developed countries (LDCs). “To navigate this transition successfully, we must accelerate diversification, improve competitiveness, and adopt forward-looking trade policies,” he said. He added that while graduation is a major achievement, it will gradually reduce the preferential market access and duty benefits Bangladesh currently enjoys. At a seminar on the sidelines of the expo, Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said foreign involvement in port operations could improve efficiency. He also called for suspension of the amended labour law until a newly elected government is in place, arguing that the current changes are neither industry- nor worker-friendly. In another session, Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, stressed the need for easier access to green financing, greater support from brands through knowledge sharing and technology transfer, and targeted interventions for SMEs. He urged wider regional inclusion so that areas such as North Bengal, Sylhet and Chattogram can benefit alongside Dhaka-centric clusters. Khan also called on the government to amplify the industry’s success stories through Bangladesh’s embassies and high commissions abroad, showcasing achievements on the global stage. The expo is being positioned as a vital opportunity for companies aiming to expand exports, launch new product lines or strengthen global brand visibility. With strong government backing for trade and investment, it reflects Bangladesh’s push for product and market diversification at a time when the country is seeking to secure its place in global markets beyond garments. Speakers at the event included Lutfey Siddiqi, special envoy for international affairs to the chief adviser; Mohammad Hasan Arif, EPB vice chairman; Mahbubur Rahman, commerce secretary; and Md Abdur Rahim Khan, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI). Organisers say the expo is not only about showcasing products but also about building long-term partnerships. The inclusion of thematic seminars and networking sessions is intended to encourage dialogue on issues ranging from sustainable production and green financing to supply-chain resilience and regional inclusion. The event comes at a critical time for Bangladesh’s economy. As the country prepares for LDC graduation, policymakers and industry leaders are emphasising the need to diversify the export basket, strengthen supply-side capacity and forge new partnerships with international buyers. The expo, they argue, provides a platform to address these challenges while highlighting Bangladesh’s achievements and ambitions. By bringing together stakeholders from across the world, the Global Sourcing Expo 2025 – Dhaka underscores the country’s determination to move beyond its reliance on garments and establish itself as a competitive player in a wider range of industries. Written by Nibir Ayaan
Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025: From Local Clay to Global Stage
Bangladesh’s ceramic industry has evolved from modest import substitution into a thriving manufacturing hub. More than 70 factories now produce tableware, tiles, sanitary ware, and ceramic bricks that meet global standards. The domestic market is worth Tk 8,000 crore annually, while exports to over 50 countries bring in nearly Tk 500 crore. In the past decade, production capacity and investment have surged 150%, fuelled by rising demand, sharper design, and steady technological upgrades. With cumulative investment topping Tk 18,000 crore and nearly 500,000 jobs created, ceramics have become a cornerstone of the nation’s industrial growth. Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 Amid this momentum, Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 showcased strength and ambition. Organised by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), the fourth edition ran from November 27–30 at the International Convention City Bashundhara, Dhaka. The international exhibition brought together manufacturers, exporters, machinery and raw material suppliers, technology providers, and industry stakeholders. It drew strong local and international participation, hosting 300 exhibitors from more than 25 countries, including Bangladesh, China, India, Italy, Spain, Turkey, UAE, USA, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam. Registrations topped 28,000, with visitors spanning architects, engineers, dealers, buyers, researchers, students, and officials. How the Expo Unfolded The BCMEA announced the much‑anticipated 2025 edition of the Ceramic Expo at a press conference on November 23 at the Dhaka Reporters Unity. BCMEA President Moynul Islam and Fair Organising Committee Chairman Irfan Uddin outlined key features—500 international delegates, three seminars, a job fair, B2B and B2C meetings, live demonstrations, spot orders, raffle draws, and new product launches. The briefing was attended by Senior Vice Presidents Md Mamunur Rashid FCMA and Abdul Hakim (Sumon), Vice President Rasheed Mymunul Islam, and Director Mohd Ziaul Hoque Zico. Syed Ali Abdullah Jami, director (sales & marketing) of Sheltech Ceramics Ltd., the principal sponsor of this year’s expo, joined the press meet alongside top officials of the three platinum sponsors: Didarul Alam Khan, head of marketing at DBL Ceramics Ltd.; Md Ashraful Haque, general manager (sales) at Akij Ceramics Ltd.; and Shahajada Yasir Arafat Shuvo, manager (brand) of Meghna Ceramic Industries Ltd. On November 27, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin inaugurated the fair as the chief guest at a ceremony presided over by the BCMEA president. Partners SL Category Partner Name 1 Hospitality Partner Radisson Blu Water Garden Dhaka Regency 2 Accommodation Partner Amari Dhaka Best Western Plus Runway Crowne Plaza Grace 21 Smart Hotel Holiday Inn Intercontinental Hotel Lake Castle Platinum Grand Platinum Residence Renaissance Dhaka Westin Dhaka Chuti Resort 3 Gift Partner Hotel Lake Castle Grace 21 Best Western Plus Maya Platinum Grand Platinum Residence Dhaka Regency Hotel & Resort Ltd. Holiday Inn Dhaka Chuti Resort 4 International Event Partner Unifair Exhibition Service Co., Ltd. S.A.L.A. srl (ACIMAC) Messe Muenchen India Pvt. Ltd. 5 Knowledge Partner Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) Ceramic ISC 6 Strategic Partner Foshan Uniceramics Expo 7 Food Partner Platinum Grand 8 Official Magazine Partner Ceramic Bangladesh Magazine Asian Ceramics 9 Support Partner Export Promotion Bureau ASEAN Ceramics (Vietnam) TECNA KERAMIKA Ceramics CHINA 10 Media Partner The Business Standard Channel i Banglanews24.com Ceramic Focus Magazine Ceramic India Samakal 11 Young Engagement Partner JCI Bangladesh 12 Technology Partner Betafore 13 Wardrobe Partner FIERO 14 Connectivity Partner Amber IT Ltd. Days Full of Activities Every day of this year’s Ceramic Expo Bangladesh offered something new and innovative for visitors and industry professionals. Fresh B2B and B2C meetings unfolded across the venue, while seminars and discussions addressed pressing issues critical to resolving long‑standing challenges. After the inauguration of the expo, Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin, BCMEA President and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro along with top industry leaders toured the pavilions of the Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025. ACIMAC’s Project Manager Antonella Tantillo and Commercial Director of SACMI Imola S.C. Fabio Ferrari also visited the stalls. SEMINAR ONE The first seminar on “Energy Efficiency Strategies for Industry in Bangladesh: Challenges and Opportunities”, Engr. Toufiq Rahman, keynote speaker and assistant director of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA), reported national progress toward a 20% reduction in energy intensity by 2030, with 15% already achieved. Md Mamunur Rashid FCMA, senior vice president of BCMEA and additional managing director of X Ceramics Ltd; SM Monirul Islam, deputy CEO and CFO of IDCOL; and Md Imam Uddin Sheikh, general manager (production & marketing) of Petrobangla, shared their thoughts. Additional insights came from Tanvir Ebne Bashar, unit head of IDCOL, on flexible financing; Matheendra De Zoysa, COO of Omera LPG, on emissions concerns; and Babor Hossain, consultant of Khadim Ceramics. SEMINAR TWO The second seminar, held on the third day of the expo on “Global Market Strategies: Challenges and Opportunities for Ceramic Products”, featured keynote speaker Dr. Aditi Shams, associate professor of International Business at the University of Dhaka, who delivered a data‑driven analysis. Dr. Mohammad Monirul Islam, associate professor at the University of Dhaka; Dr. Amir Ahmed, associate professor and head of Real Estate at Daffodil International University; M. Mamunur Rashid, CEO of Artisan Ceramics Ltd; and Baby Rani Karmakar, director general of the Export Promotion Bureau, also spoke at the event. SEMINAR THREE On the third day of the expo, the most important seminar, “Skills Development for Sustainable Growth in the Ceramics Industry”, chaired by BCMEA President Moynul Islam, also vice chairman of Monno Ceramic Industries Ltd, brought together policymakers, development partners, and industry experts. Hari Pada Das, TVET institutional strengthening expert; Mina Masud Uzzaman, member for coordination and assessment and joint secretary of the National Skills Development Authority (NSDA); ANM Tanjel Ahsan, programme officer at the ILO; Dr. Nazneen Kawshar Chowdhury, executive chairman
Urban October 2025: IAB Organises Daylong Event, Three-Day Exhibition
The Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB) on November marked Urban October 2025 with a day-long celebration at its Multipurpose Hall, bringing together students, professionals, and policymakers to reflect on the future of urban design in Bangladesh. Timed to coincide with World Architecture Day, World Habitat Day, and World Cities Day, the event began at 10:30 am with the opening of a three-day exhibition showcasing student urban design studio projects from architecture departments across IAB-accredited universities. Participating institutions include Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Bangladesh University (BU), BRAC University (BRACU), Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology (CUET), North South University (NSU), American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB), Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST), Khulna University (KU), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Dhaka University of Engineering and Technology (DUET), Daffodil Institute of IT (DIT), Southeast University (SEU), Stamford University, State University, and the University of Asia Pacific (UAP). There was a roundtable discussion on “Shaping Cities: The Role and Future of the Urban Design Profession in Bangladesh” led by academicians. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the next generation’s vision for Bangladesh’s urban future, with models and visualisations of cityscapes, transport corridors, and public spaces. At 4:00 pm, the main programme commenced with a roundtable discussion titled “Interference to Planning: DAP”, led by Team Environment & Urbanisation from IAB’s 26th Executive Council. The session addressed concerns surrounding the Detailed Area Plan (DAP) and its implications for sustainable development, zoning, and citizen engagement. The theme for this year’s World Cities Day — “People-centred Smart Cities” —guided the evening’s discussions. A documentary presentation highlighted month-long Urban October activities, including editorial seminars and conventions. Experts and stakeholders then joined a panel discussion, followed by speeches from the chairperson, the chief guest. The event concluded with a vote of thanks. Held under the banner of Urban October, the celebration reaffirms IAB’s commitment to shaping inclusive, resilient, and well-planned cities. As Bangladesh continues to urbanise rapidly, today’s gathering serves as both a showcase and a call to action — urging architects to lead with vision, integrity, and public purpose. The World Cities Day 2025 event ended with the distribution of certificates. Programme Schedule: Location: IAB Office Date: November 1, 2025 Time: Exhibition: 10:30 am Main programme: 4:00 pm Written by Nibir Ayaan