[🇧🇩] Light Engineering Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

বিà¦à¦«à¦à¦¿à¦à¦ à¦à¦° হালà¦à¦¾ পà§à¦°à¦à§à¦¶à¦² শিলà§à¦ª বিষà§à¦ পরামরà§à¦¶ সà¦à¦¾ à¦à¦¨à§à¦·à§à¦ িত

বাà¦à¦²à¦¾à¦¦à§à¦¶ বিনিà§à§à¦ à¦à¦¨à§à¦¨à§à¦¨ à¦à¦°à§à¦¤à§à¦ªà¦à§à¦·à§à¦° (বিডা) à¦à¦° à¦à¦¦à§à¦¯à§à¦à§, 'Potentials of the Light Engineering Industry/Sector in Bangladesh' শà§à¦°à§à¦·à¦ à¦à¦¬à§à¦·à¦£à¦¾ à¦à¦¾à¦°à§à¦¯à¦à§à¦°à¦®à¦à¦¿ বাà¦à¦²à¦¾à¦¦à§à¦¶ ফরà§à¦¨...

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

বিএফটিআই এর হালকা প্রকৌশল শিল্প বিষয়ক পরামর্শ সভা অনুষ্ঠিত
এফই অনলাইন ডেস্ক
Published :
May 14, 2024 17:50
Updated :
May 14, 2024 17:50

বাংলাদেশ বিনিয়োগ উন্নয়ন কর্তৃপক্ষের (বিডা) এর উদ্যোগে, 'Potentials of the Light Engineering Industry/Sector in Bangladesh' শীর্ষক গবেষণা কার্যক্রমটি বাংলাদেশ ফরেন ট্রেড ইনস্টিটিউট (বিএফটিআই)-পরিচালনা করছে।

এর অংশ হিসেবে ১৪ মে, ২০২৪ তারিখে বিএফটিআই এর সম্মেলন কক্ষে একটি অংশীজন পরামর্শ সভা অনুষ্ঠিত হয়েছে।

এই সভায় প্রধান অতিথি হিসেবে উপস্থিত ছিলেন বিএফটিআই এর প্রধান নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা ও বাণিজ্য মন্ত্রণালয়ের সাবেক সিনিয়র সচিব ড. মোঃ জাফর উদ্দীন।

সভায় বিশেষ অতিথি হিসেবে উপস্থিত ছিলেন বাংলাদেশ বিনিয়োগ উন্নয়ন কর্তৃপক্ষের (বিডা) এর পরিচালক (যুগ্ম সচিব) জনাব এম মিজানুর রহমান।

অনুষ্ঠানে সভাপতিত্ব করেন বিএফটিআই এর পরিচালক মোঃ ওবায়েদুল আজম। বিএফটিআই এর এক প্রেস বিজ্ঞপ্তি থেকে এ তথ্য জানা যায়।

প্রধান অতিথি ড. মোঃ জাফর উদ্দীন বলেন, "লাইট ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং একটি সম্ভাবনাময় শিল্প। এই খাতের উন্নয়নের জন্য সরকার নানাবিধ পদক্ষেপ গ্রহণ করেছে এবং সরকারের সকল মন্ত্রণালয় ও সংস্থা একযোগে কাজ করছে। বাংলাদেশ বিনিয়োগ উন্নয়ন কর্তৃপক্ষের (বিডা) উদ্যোগে এই গবেষণাটি বিএফটিআই কর্তৃক পরিচালনা করতে পারায় আমরা আনন্দিত।"

বিশেষ অতিথি বাংলাদেশ বিনিয়োগ উন্নয়ন কর্তৃপক্ষের (বিডা) এর পরিচালক (যুগ্ম সচিব) জনাব এম মিজানুর রহমান বলেন, "লাইট ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং শিল্পের পরিধি অনেক বড়। সরকার লাইট ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং শিল্পকে গুরুত্ব দিচ্ছে। এ শিল্পে বিনিযোগ আকর্ষণের ব্যাপক সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে।"

এছাড়াও সভায় উপস্থিত বাংলাদেশ ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং ইন্ডাস্ট্রি ওনার্স এসোসিয়েশন এর সভাপতি জনাব আবদুর রাজ্জাক সহ পাবলিক ও প্রাইভেট সেক্টরের প্রতিনিধিবৃন্দ তাদের মূল্যবান মতামত প্রদান করেন।​

 

[Bilal9]

Prime Machineries is an example of medium sized companies who make bespoke machinery targeted toward shoe Industries and other sectors like Melamine cookware. They have effectively substituted imports of machineries for non-automated sectors like these.

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladesh Cable Industry was founded sixty plus years ago and has continued to forge ahead beyond various types of Home wiring and ACSR power cable products, they now produce advanced telecom cable products in copper as well as glass fiber (fiber optics cable). It was originally a govt. sector undertaking and remains so today.

 

[Saif]

Bangladesh Cable Industry was founded sixty plus years ago and has continued to forge ahead beyond various types of Home wiring and ACSR power cable products, they now produce advanced telecom cable products in copper as well as glass fiber (fiber optics cable). It was originally a govt. sector undertaking and remains so today.

We should invite private investment in this sector massively. Only one public industry is not enough to meet the local demand let alone exporting to other countries. Can't we produce raw materials for this industry locally? If we can, it will save us huge foreign currency.

 

[Bilal9]

Extruded UPVC door and CNC machine made engraved solid wooden doors manufacturing in Bangladesh. Horrible designs though, they need some design help.

 

[Bilal9]

In the bustling heart of Gazipur's Sreepur Upazilla, Alpha Carbon Technology Limited hums with activity. Here, a 20-year-old woman, Suraiya, meticulously assembles carbon fiber pieces for $2000 Bicycles by hand in an intricate process that requires her to arrange 268 individual pieces with precision and focus without the aid of machinery. Once again, Bangladesh is the pioneering entrant in this Bike export light engineering sector, as seen two decades earlier with Chromoly aluminum alloy bike exports.

Suraiya is among the 365 workers, predominantly women, who make carbon fiber components for bicycle frames, forks, and seat posts.

Working under the guidance of around two dozen technicians from China and Taiwan, they assemble pre-cut carbon sheets with precision in every step of the process.



These efforts represent a notable milestone for Bangladesh as it becomes the pioneering South Asian nation to produce high-value carbon components for bicycles.

A single carbon fibre bicycle frame commands a price of around $200, equivalent to the export value of 166 T-shirts priced at $1.2 each. In contrast, a steel frame costs only $20, while aluminum frames range from $30 to $40.

The factory, established through a collaboration between Meghna Group, the largest bicycle manufacturer and exporter in Bangladesh, and partners from Germany and Taiwan, currently operates with a production capacity of 50,000 frames, 100,000 forks, and 240,000 seat posts annually.



Demand rising for carbon frames

With export demands on the rise, Alpha Carbon Technology Ltd has decided to expand the factory's capabilities to meet the growing orders since the start of its commercial production early last year.

"We will double our frame production capacity to 100,000 units by July next year, driven by an increase of new orders," said Javed Hossain Khan, general manager of the company.

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

Javed expressed confidence in the company's future export prospects, citing successful product testing in key markets such as Germany, Sweden, and the UK.

Meghna, in a joint venture, is pioneering the manufacture of carbon fiber bicycle components for export — a strategic move poised to help Bangladesh diversify its export base reducing its heavy dependence on ready-made garments.

The global carbon fiber bike market, which remains relatively modest at around $3 billion in 2023 in stark contrast to the traditional bicycle market of over $80 billion, is expanding rapidly due to its remarkable attributes, including durability, lightweight construction, superior strength and corrosion resistance.

One of the two dozen highly skilled Chinese and Taiwanese technicians, experts in crafting carbon fiber bicycle components, is mentoring a local worker at Alpha Carbon Technology Limited factory in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur. The photo was taken recently.

One of the two dozen highly skilled Chinese and Taiwanese technicians, experts in crafting carbon fiber bicycle components, is mentoring a local worker at Alpha Carbon Technology Limited factory in Sreepur upazila of Gazipur. The photo was taken recently.

Moreover, consumers in the Western markets are increasingly favoring eco-friendly carbon fiber bicycles over aluminum or steel alternatives.

Will diversify country's export basket

Mizanur Rahman, chairman of Meghna Group, emphasized the strategic significance of introducing this technology to Bangladesh. "The goal is to diversify the country's export opportunities, especially amidst a decline in traditional bicycle sales, notably in crucial markets like the European Union and the UK throughout 2023," he said.

According to data from the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh's bicycle exports totaled only $53.87 million during July-February of the current fiscal year, marking a steep decline of nearly 45% from the $97.50 million recorded for the same period a year earlier.

"We will not be able to boost our exports solely on low-end products after graduating from the LDC status in 2026. We must pivot towards producing high-end goods for global markets," Mizanur told TBS.

A row of carbon fiber frames for high-end bicycles can be seen at Alpha Carbon Technology Limited in Boromi, Sreepur upazila of Gazipur.

As an example, he cited Japan's evolution from garment manufacturing, a position akin to Bangladesh's current status, toward high-end manufacturing sectors over time. He anticipated that the apparel production currently dominated by Bangladesh might eventually shift to African nations.

"As part of this strategy, we have made investments in the production of carbon fiber components for bicycles. We are currently manufacturing three key components, but our next step is to introduce carbon fiber handles. Following that, we have plans to export bicycles entirely crafted from carbon fiber," Mizanur said.

"The export value of a carbon fiber bicycle starts at no less than $1,000, with retail prices often exceeding $2,000 per unit. With government support, Alpha Carbon could potentially export at least $100 million worth of carbon fibre bicycle products per year," he said.

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

"However, achieving this goal will not be without challenges. The company requires government assistance, primarily due to the substantial 60% import duty on the essential raw material, carbon fibre, imported from Japan," Mizanur said.

"Additionally, the lack of a consistent power supply presents a significant hurdle. Finally, acquiring a bond licence is essential for Alpha to sustain competitiveness in the global export market," said the Meghna Group chairman, calling for a 10-15% government incentive over the next three years to enhance competitiveness with manufacturers from other countries.

"We do not want incentives for years or decades. We will achieve competitiveness as a carbon fibre component manufacturer within a few years," he said.

Bond facility will help

About the bond license, Md Luthful Bari, chief operating officer of Alpha Carbon, said they need the licence as it will enable them to import duty-free raw materials and machinery. Also, as per the Customs Act 1969, 100% of export-oriented businesses are eligible to get bond facilities.

Bond licenses, particularly for industries like garments and textiles, have been instrumental in fostering industrial development and significantly contributing to the economic growth of the country.

Bari also emphasized the importance of uninterrupted power supply, saying that the lack of quality power could potentially damage their machinery and products.

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

What are carbon fibre bikes and who buys them?

A carbon fibre bike is a bicycle constructed primarily using carbon fibre sheets, also referred to as prepreg material, which is precisely cut into specific shapes and sizes according to the design of the frame, fork, seat post or wheelset.

These bikes are predominantly utilized in high-end racing applications. Common types of carbon fiber bicycles include road bikes, mountain bikes, city bikes, and more.

The demand for carbon fiber bikes is particularly high among athletes, with road bikes being especially favored in Europe and North America — the main markets for this type of bicycle. The cost of manufacturing such bikes is anticipated to decrease, potentially leading to a shift in major markets towards countries like China and other developing nations.

Which countries make components for carbon fiber bikes

Several countries specialize in manufacturing components for carbon fiber bikes. Taiwan stands out as a leading producer, renowned for its advanced manufacturing capabilities and expertise in carbon fiber technology.

China also plays a significant role, with numerous factories catering to both domestic and international bicycle brands.

Among the EU countries, Italy boasts a long tradition of bicycle manufacturing and is esteemed for its craftsmanship and innovation in carbon fibre technology. Also, Germany manufactures this kind of bicycle as it is known for its engineering prowess.

Bangladesh is now one of the half-a-dozen countries globally to specialize in producing these ultra high tech products.

Photo: Syed Zakir Hossain

In the United States, particularly in states like California and Colorado, companies focus on high-performance carbon components for various types of bikes.

While Japan, though not as prominent, excels in precision engineering and high-quality standards. These countries collectively contribute to the global supply chain for carbon fiber bike components, meeting the demands of cyclists worldwide.

Bangladesh enters high-value carbon fibre bike parts making

In the bustling heart of Gazipur's Sreepur upazila, Alpha Carbon Technology Limited hums with activity.

www.tbsnews.net

 

[Bilal9]

Artificial Quartz Engineered export quality (honed and polished) stone slabs made in Mirzapur Bangladesh.

 

[Bilal9]

Carbon fiber parts of bicycles are now being manufactured in Bangladesh. Bicycle frames, forks and seat posts are being manufactured at the Alpha Carbon Technology factory established at Barmi in Sreepur Upazila of Gazipur. Which is being exported to various European countries including Germany.