Trade Adviser Sheikh Basiruddin said that the government has taken initiatives to develop the furniture industry and expand the export market. He said that the country’s furniture industry has huge potential. Investment should be further increased in the development of this industry. At this time, he called on entrepreneurs to make proper use of the country’s resources and opportunities and strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global furniture market as soon as possible.
He spoke as the chief guest at the inauguration of the 20th National Furniture Fair 2025 today, Tuesday (October 14).
The Adviser said that the previous government had created an economic bubble. Although it did not create employment, some offices including bank branches increased. For good reason, the current government had to adopt contractionary policies in the economy. Otherwise, the economy would not have turned around.
Stating that the functional and aesthetic attributes of furniture are not being achieved, he said that the necessary innovations are not being made. In principle, the government is taking all the modern measures that need to be taken; it is doing so. Businessmen need to increase innovation. The Ministry of Commerce is working to find new markets for the furniture industry. There is an expression of aesthetics and taste in this industry. We need to work on that.
The Adviser also said that buyers turn away from us not because of the price of furniture, but because of innovation. We should increase the innovative capacity in the furniture industry. We are continuing discussions on free trade agreements with some countries. I can say for sure that it will create opportunities for the furniture industry.
BFIOA Chairman Salim H Rahman presided over the inaugural ceremony.
At that time, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) Vice Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif and Bangladesh Furniture Exporters Association President Dr. KM Akhtaruzzaman were present at the ceremony as special guests.
A total of 48 leading furniture companies are participating in this year’s fair. Participants will showcase the latest designs and products in 278 stalls. The five-day fair will be open to all at the Gulnaksha (Hall-1), Pushpaguchcha (Hall-2) and Rajdarshan (Hall-3) halls of the Bashundhara International Convention and Convention Center. Organized under the slogan ‘My country, my hope – I will decorate my home with local furniture’, the fair is the biggest event of the country’s furniture industry.
