[🇧🇩] Electronics and Home Appliances Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Walton launches solar solution for 30 solar products

The products belong to five categories

www.thedailystar.net

Walton launches solar solution for 30 solar products
The products belong to five categories

Electronic appliance maker Walton today introduced 'Walton solar solution' to extend services to its customers for 30 solar power-run electrical products of five categories.

The categories are: solar panels (85 watts to 200 watts), lighting (DC bulb, DC tubes, motion wall lights), solar charge controllers (10 to 20 amps), solar table fan and DC cables.

Walton shared the information through a filing on the website of the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

Walton has the capacity to produce Tk 80 crore to Tk 100 crore worth of solar products in 2023-24, which will be enough to meet 10-15 percent of Bangladesh's demand, according to Sohel Rana, chief business officer of Walton Electrical Appliance.

He said Walton's solar products are being delivered to the doorsteps of the consumers through distributors, dealers and retailers across the country.

Walton offers 20 years replacement warranty for its solar power-run panels along with ensuring high quality of the products, he said.

Now, there is demand for 0.55 giga watts of solar power, which would increase to 2.84 giga watts by 2029, Rana said.​

 

[Saif]

Russia keen to invest in electronic device manufacturing sectors of Bangladesh

In a significant development aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, Russia has expressed a keen interest in forming joint partnerships and investing in the electronic and digital device manufacturing sectors in Bangladesh. The proposal was discussed on Thursday during a meeting between the Russ

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Russia keen to invest in electronic device manufacturing sectors of Bangladesh
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
May 02, 2024 19:49
Updated :
May 02, 2024 19:49

In a significant development aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, Russia has expressed a keen interest in forming joint partnerships and investing in the electronic and digital device manufacturing sectors in Bangladesh.

The proposal was discussed on Thursday during a meeting between the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Aleksandr Mantytsky, and the Bangladeshi Minister of State for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Junaid Ahmed Palak.

The meeting, which took place at the ICT Tower in city, also saw the presence of key figures, including Dr. Shahjahan Mahmood, Chairman of Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited; GSM Jafarullah, Managing Director of the Hi-Tech Park Authority; and Mr Oleg Cousin, Third Secretary of the Russian Embassy.

Ambassador Mantitsky extended his congratulations to Minister Palak, acknowledging the significant strides made by Bangladesh in the ICT sector.

He conveyed Russia's desire to become a partner in the ongoing development of this vibrant sector in Bangladesh.

Echoing this sentiment, Minister Palak highlighted the potential for expanding partnerships in electronics and digital device production, alongside broader investment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

He drew attention to the substantial investments already made by South Korean and Chinese companies within the specialised zones of the Hi-Tech Park, illustrating the potential for further foreign engagement.

Mr Palak emphasised Bangladesh's openness to investments, technological exchange, and innovative collaboration in fostering a smart Bangladesh.

He expressed optimism about the mutual benefits such cooperation would bring, emphasising that "cooperation has no boundaries."​

 

[Saif]

Walton to make mobile phone circuit boards

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has recently decided to give approval to Walton Digi-Tech Industries to locally manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs) specifically for handsets.

www.thedailystar.net

Walton to make mobile phone circuit boards

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has recently decided to give approval to Walton Digi-Tech Industries to locally manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs) specifically for handsets.

This will enable the local electronics manufacturing giant to become the first Bangladeshi company to make the product at home.

A PCB is made of insulating material on which various electronic components such as processors and sensors are placed to be connected and controlled using conductive pathways etched on its surface.

It supports compact, layered designs to fit within the profiles of slim devices and is crucial for reliability, durability, and performance, impacting overall device functionality and user experience.

Walton already manufactures PCBs for computers, mobile phone chargers and batteries. This will be its first facility manufacturing multilayer PCBs for mobile phones.

The company will get preliminary approval to import raw materials and make the PCBs for six months and if the quality checks out during this time, it will get final approval.

Such approval would open a path to enhance value addition in the manufacture of mobile phones in Bangladesh, which is mainly dependent on imports for the majority of components.

The value added by PCBs may represent around 5 percent to 7 percent of the total manufacturing cost of a mobile phone, depending on the device's specifications and features, according to industry people.

It is a good step for increasing value addition in the local mobile manufacturing industry, said Brig Gen Mohammad Moniruzzaman Jewel, director general of the BTRC's Spectrum Division.

Walton manufactures numerous electronics and digital devices that require PCBs. If other companies source PCBs from Walton, it will save a significant amount of foreign currency for the country, he added.

Earlier, at the end of February, a delegation comprising BTRC officials, led by the Spectrum Division commissioner, visited Walton's manufacturing facility and prepared a report.

According to the report, they found adequate equipment, space, testing devices and manpower for the manufacture of the PCBs for mobile phones.

Manufacturing PCBs would enable Walton to qualify for VAT rebates.

To qualify, a manufacturer must not only establish a facility adequately equipped to produce the PCBs, chargers, batteries, housings and casings but also produce at least 50 percent of their components.

Walton Digi-Tech Industries started its journey in 2018 through the manufacture of desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, networking devices, monitors, projectors, motherboards, data storage devices, peripherals, wearables, workstations and tablet PCs.​

 

[Bilal9]

Local production of mobile phones goes up

A file photo shows a man looking at mobile phones while a trader making a phone call at a shop at a shopping mall in Dhaka recently. — New Age photo

Mobile phone manufacturing in Bangladesh witnessed an increase in February, marking a rise of 2.55 lakh units, compared with that in the previous month, according to data of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

In February, the total production of mobile phones in the country reached 21.47 lakh units.

Earlier in November 2023, the total number of local mobile phone production saw an increase, reaching 24.32 lakh units compared with that of 23.52 lakh units in October 2023.

Compared to November, the local production of mobile phones witnessed consecutive fall in December 2023 and January 2024, with the number of production standing at 21.10 lakh units and 18.92 lakh units respectively.

Of the 21.47 lakh units manufactured in February, 12.22 lakh featured 2G technology, while 9.22 lakh were equipped with 4G technology and 2,660 were 5G technology-enabled.

The production of 5G technology-enabled mobile phones saw a marginal decline in February, compared with that of 2,680 such units produced in January.

The second generation phones, also known as feature phones, accounted for 56.93 per cent of the total units manufactured in February, while smartphones constituted 43.07 per cent.

However, the number of locally made smartphones saw a significant increase, to 43.07 per cent of the total mobile phone production in February, compared with that of 18.80 per cent in January.

Of the 18.92 lakh units manufactured in January, 15.37 lakh featured 2G technology, while 3.53 lakh were equipped with 4G technology and 2,687 were 5G technology-enabled.

In January, feature phones held 81.20 per cent of the total production, while smartphones constituted 18.80 per cent
According to the BTRC data, there has been no production of 3G mobile phones in the country since January 2023.

The import of mobile phones also witnessed a decline in February, by 2,210 units, after a decrease of 4,959 units in the previous month.

The number of imported mobile phones was 2,840 units in February while 5,050 mobile phones were imported in the previous month.

Out of the 2,840 units imported in February, all were 5G technology-enabled. No feature phones were imported in the month.

 

[Saif]

https://thedailynewnation.com/electronics-home-appliances-marketing-fest-held/

Electronics & home appliances marketing fest held
13 May 2024, 12:00 am

Business Report :

The inaugural Bangladesh Electronics & Home Appliances Marketing Fest, held under the theme "Electrify Strategy, Amplify Impact," has made a profound impact on the country's marketing landscape.
This event was a collaborative endeavor of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, brands, and marketing experts, marking a pivotal moment for Bangladesh's electronics sector.

Leading as title sponsors were GREE & KONKA from Electromart, where Jamuna Electronics & Kiam serving as powered by partners. Their steadfast support underscored the event's significance, emphasizing the vital role of the electronics and home appliances sector in Bangladesh's economic growth.

The Bangladesh Electronics &Home Appliances Marketing Fest is dedicated to exploring contemporary marketing strategies, emerging trends, and innovations within the industry. It serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking among industry stakeholders.

Attendees were immersed in dynamic discussions, delving into contemporary marketing strategies, emerging trends, and challenges shaping the industry. The fest facilitated insightful dialogue on the competitive landscape between domestic and foreign brands, as well as the introduction of innovative products into the market.

Nurul Afsar, Deputy Managing Director of Electro Mart, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "As the Title Sponsor, we are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking fest. It serves as a catalyst for marketing innovation and collaboration, crucial for propelling growth in Bangladesh's electronics sector."

With participation from 26 speakers representing various domains including brand, marketing, sales, supply chain, and 6 entrepreneurs, the fest was enriched with diverse perspectives on better marketing practices and profitability in the sector.

Spearheaded by Brand Practitioners Bangladesh, the fest aimed to foster innovation and collaboration within the industry. Mirza Md. Ileush, Founder & CEO of Brand Practitioners Bangladesh, emphasized, "Our mission is to promote growth and co-creation among business and marketing professionals. This fest brings together all stakeholders to shape the future of marketing practices and enhance customer satisfaction."

The event boasted a plethora of activities, including insights and panel sessions, enabling attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas. Additionally, the fest witnessed the launch of the fifth edition of the "Business Brillianz" Magazine, further enriching industry insights and best practices.​

 

[Saif]

Local manufactures also getting costlier with VAT hike

Local manufactures like refrigerator, AC, mobile set and LPG cylinder also may get costlier for tax hike as financial reform necessitates lowering tariff protections to domestic industries. Sources say the local manufacturers of electrical and electronic products may see a tax hike in the up

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Local manufactures also getting costlier with VAT hike
DOULOT AKTER MALA
Published :
May 17, 2024 00:21
Updated :
May 17, 2024 00:21

Local manufactures like refrigerator, AC, mobile set and LPG cylinder also may get costlier for tax hike as financial reform necessitates lowering tariff protections to domestic industries.

Sources say the local manufacturers of electrical and electronic products may see a tax hike in the upcoming fiscal year under government plan to trim down protective tariffs.

The VAT wing of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is likely to increase the taxes on manufacturing of air conditioners, refrigerators, and mobile-phone sets in the 2024-25 budget, coming next month.

Also, the value-added tax or VAT on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder manufacturers may see a hike.

Revenue officials said VAT would be increased as a part of exercise to phase out the tax exemptions from the well-established sectors to prepare for Bangladesh's graduation to a middle-income country in 2026 so they can play in competitive business regime.

"A number of sectors may see a 15-percent standard VAT rate in the upcoming fiscal year as the NBR moves to come out from the multiple rates of VAT," said the NBR official.

"Multiple rates of VAT affect the small and medium enterprises as their actual tax incidences go above 15 per cent for not having input credits," he added.

The revenue board started the process of phasing out protective tariffs during the last three years.

Currently, there is no VAT on manufacturing stage of AC while refrigerator manufacturers are subject to paying 5.0 per cent.

As per fiscal measures of the current financial year, mobile-phone manufacturers/assemblers are subject to paying 2.0-percent VAT instead of zero-rated tax, 5.0 per cent instead of 3.0 per cent, and 7.5 per cent instead of 5 per cent respectively at the local stage until June 30, 2024.

Manufacturers of LPG cylinder are paying VAT at a cut-down rate of 7.5 per cent.

Official sources have said the reduced rate of VAT would be increased to 15 per cent gradually to make the standard rate of VAT effective.

Surgical items may also see a tax hike at local stages in the upcoming FY, they said.

The government's revenue authority is acting under cajoling for raising revenue collection through fiscal reforms to enhance the country's tax-GDP ratio in order to make for budget shortfall.

Contacted, the spokesperson for country's one of the largest manufacturers of refrigerator, AC and mobile set, Walton, declined to make preemptive comment before it comes in the budget proposal.

In the FY24 budget, the government has extended the VAT-exemption facility for production of a slew of electronic equipment until June 30, 2026.

The waiver list includes computers, laptops, desktops, notebooks, notepads, tablets, servers, keyboards, mouse, RAM, PCBA or motherboards, mobile-phone chargers and batteries, power banks, routers, network switches, modems, network devices or hubs, speakers, sound systems, and earphones, until June 30, 2026.​

 

[Bilal9]

NOAH Industries in Nilfamari near Saidpur in Northern Bangladesh is an backwards-integrated mfr. of Pressure Cookers, Non-stick Cookware, Rice-Cookers, blenders, induction and electric cooktops.

 

[Bilal9]

Orion Industries started production last year on LED TVs, Medium-sized Refrigerators and Split A/C (Aircon) units. Factory is located in Bhaluka in Mymensingh.

Although not as backward-integrated or massive and automated as Walton's operation, they still boast CNC Sheetmetal bender automation, vac-forming and other extrusion technologies for refrigerators and aircons. They are in the medium tier of almost two dozen home-appliance and white-goods electronics manufacturers and exporters in Bangladesh. Although currently engaged in import-substitution work, this home appliances sector is very promising as the next export thrust-sector after the usual Pharma, leather goods and shipbuilding sectors.