[🇧🇩] Light Engineering Industry in Bangladesh

[Saif]

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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.

 

[Saif]

Light engineering expo, Bangladesh aims to export $100b in $7t global market

Bangladesh is poised to significantly increase its footprint in the global engineering and light engineering products market, currently valued at a staggering US $7 trillion - of which the country’s contribution amounts to less than 1% at present. Industry leaders rather bullishly believe th

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Light engineering expo, Bangladesh aims to export $100b in $7t global market

UNB
Published :
May 27, 2025 20:35
Updated :
May 27, 2025 20:35

Bangladesh is poised to significantly increase its footprint in the global engineering and light engineering products market, currently valued at a staggering US $7 trillion - of which the country’s contribution amounts to less than 1% at present.

Industry leaders rather bullishly believe that with adequate policy support, investment, and infrastructure development, Bangladesh could export up to $100 billion worth of engineering products.

This optimistic outlook was shared by Md. Abdur Razzaque, President of the Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners’ Association (BEIOA), during a press conference held on Tuesday at the Economic Reporters Forum Auditorium in Dhaka.

The press conference announced the upcoming Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025, organized by BEIOA in collaboration with the Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) project under the Ministry of Commerce.

The domestic market for engineering products in Bangladesh is approximately Tk40,000 crore, with local industries fulfilling up to 50 percent of the demand, leaving the remainder to imports.

BEIOA president Razzaque highlighted the light engineering sector’s substantial contribution to the national economy, employing over 3 lakh people and contributing nearly 3 percent to the country’s GDP. The sector’s annual exports exceed $795 million, playing a crucial role in economic diversification and job creation.

The Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025 is scheduled for May 29 and May 30 at the Shahid Abu Sayed International Convention Center, Shahbagh, Dhaka. The two-day event will feature leading domestic light engineering companies showcasing their latest technologies, components, and innovative products. Participating firms will have the opportunity to present their goods and services, connecting with new buyers and potential investors.

Selected companies will exhibit products such as dye and mould, industrial parts, agricultural equipment, metal casting, and electric equipment.

Razzaque emphasized that the expo serves as a platform for BEIOA to seek government support for modernizing domestic industries, facilitating technology transfer, improving product quality, and expanding exports. He urged the government to provide incentives comparable to those offered by competing nations like Vietnam, China, and India to enhance the light engineering sector’s global competitiveness and sustainability.

Key requests to the government include establishing compliance-enabled industrial zones for light engineering products, reducing customs duties on raw materials, and providing cash incentives and priority access to bank loans.

He also stressed the need for technology transfer, modern design development, and necessary training for technical excellence. Furthermore, Razzaque called for a simple and effective patent registration system to protect locally manufactured components and designs, and appealed for training and incentives to increase employment opportunities for women and youth.

Responding to journalists’ questions, Razzaque confirmed that the expo will feature 44 stalls from 27 domestic companies.

Md. Abdur Rahman Khan, EC4J Project Director, stated that the light engineering sector is one of four sectors that can closely compete with the readymade garment industry.

He assured that the government is working to meet the demands of the sector to facilitate further improvement.

Khan highlighted the expo as a crucial platform to connect manufacturers, importers, and buyers, emphasizing that showcasing Bangladesh’s potential will help reduce import dependency and accelerate exports.​

 

[Saif]

Light engineering sector eyes dedicated industrial zone

Light engineering products manufacturers of the country demanded dedicated industrial park or zones to establish compliant and global standard factory units to compete with international competitors.

www.newagebd.net

Light engineering sector eyes dedicated industrial zone
Staff Correspondent 29 May, 2025, 22:53

Guests visit the stalls at the Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025 at the Shahid Abu Sayeed International Convention Centre Auditorium of Dhaka on Thursday. | Sony Ramani

Light engineering products manufacturers of the country demanded dedicated industrial park or zones to establish compliant and global standard factory units to compete with international competitors.

They also urged the government to provide adequate policy support, removal of tax and VAT related issues.

They were speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the Bangladesh Light Engineering Expo 2025 at the Shahid Abu Sayeed International Convention Centre Auditorium of Dhaka on Thursday.

The two-day expo, organised jointly by Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners’ Association (BEIOA) and Export Competitiveness for Jobs (EC4J) Project under the Ministry of Commerce, will continue till May 30.

In his speech as chief guest, Mahbubur Rahman, secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, said that Bangladesh needs to prioritise engineering and technology exports in the coming days, with the local light engineering sector playing a crucial role in this regard.

He also said that they want to meet multiple times with entrepreneurs from this sector, as small changes can improve the industry.

He added that the United States has imposed reciprocal tariffs on Bangladesh. Despite a trade deficit of only 6 billion dollars, Bangladesh is still struggling to manage it.

‘To unlock the potential of the light engineering sector, policy support is necessary. Although it is difficult to allocate separate land for this industry, we will consider it as the sector can be allocated a dedicated zone,’ he added.

He urged stakeholders to provide ideas on what can be done and the light engineering sector could be an alternative to the readymade garment sector.

He noted that a significant portion of Vietnam’s export income comes from engineering and technology products, whereas Bangladesh’s export composition is quite the opposite.

Hosne Ferdous Sumi, Senior Private Sector Specialist and Task Team Leader, EC4J Project, World Bank, said that the light engineering sector must focus on the global value chain and they have to capture the global market trends.

‘There are opportunities for innovation and diversification of the light engineering sector, Bangladesh should work to capture these,’ she added.

Hafizur Rahman, administrator of the Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that this sector could be a game changer.

‘However, light engineering exports have remained stagnant for a long time. Entrepreneurs in this sector face capital shortages and have limited connections with international markets,’ he added.

He also said that according to the BIDA roadmap, this sector has the highest potential. Therefore, the government should seriously consider matters related to tariffs and taxes.

Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary and Project Director of EC4J, said that the sector has some issues in policy and coordination, which need to be addressed.

‘If we can remove the hindrances related to duties and policy, the boost of the sector will be a must,’ he added.

In his welcome speech, the BEIOA President Md Abdur Razzaque expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest, Special Guests, participating member companies, representatives from the print and electronic media, and leaders from the central and district branches of the association.

He extended special thanks to the EC4J Project under the Ministry of Commerce for implementing various programs according to the needs of the light engineering sector.

He said that the light engineering sector has five sub sectors, like mold, electrical and electronics, agro manufacturing machineries, foundry, and bycyle where they produce all types of engineering products for almost all sectors.

‘There is immense potential in this sector. To utilize that potential, a separate industrial park like that for leather is required. We also need policy support and exemptions on taxes and duties for importing raw materials,’ he added.

Commercial Counselors from some countries also joined the event, who suggested the manufacturers go more micro or subsector level, as light engineering is a vast concept.

A total of 27 industrial enterprises are participating in the fair.

The expo is expected to play a meaningful role in promoting local engineering products, services, and technologies.

Moreover, entrepreneurs from the domestic engineering industry presented various policy proposals in front of policymakers and media for the holistic development of the sector.

These proposals are anticipated to encourage the government and development partners to initiate programs for the sector’s growth.

The expo is open to all from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.​

 

[Saif]

Govt should afford needed fillip to light engineering sector

LIGHT engineering, which could fetch up to $100 billion from export if properly nourished, warrants that the government should provide the sector with policy support, scopes for investment and the needed infrastructural development. It is in this...

www.newagebd.net

Govt should afford needed fillip to light engineering sector
31 May, 2025, 00:00

LIGHT engineering, which could fetch up to $100 billion from export if properly nourished, warrants that the government should provide the sector with policy support, scopes for investment and the needed infrastructural development. It is in this context, people involved in the sector have called for dedicated industrial parks or zones for the establishment of factories, keeping to global standards, to compete on the international market. The stakeholders have also demanded adequate policy support, which includes tax issues especially on the import of raw materials, at the inauguration of a two-day light engineering exposition held in Dhaka on May 29. The Bangladesh Engineering Industry Owners’ Association and the Export Competitiveness for Jobs Project of the commerce ministry have organised the exhibition. The commerce secretary, who attended the occasion as chief guest, has said that Bangladesh needs to prioritise engineering and technology export, where the light engineering sector could play an important role. The sector is said to have accounted for 3 per cent of the gross domestic product in the 2022 financial year whilst the apparel sector accounted for 9.25 per cent of the gross domestic product that financial year.

A Bangladesh Investment Development Authority report on the light engineering sector, published in June 2024, shows an almost consistent growth in light engineering product export, beginning with $355.97 million in the 2018 financial year that reached $795.63 million in the 2022 financial year, with a decline in the 2020 financial year. The report, however, shows a decline to $585.85 million in the 2023 financial year. The sector is reported to be generating about Tk 200 billion and the market is reported to be growing at 10 per cent. There are about 7,500 units — factories, shops and workshops — at Dholaikhal and Jinjira, the light engineering hubs of the capital city, that employ about 60,000 people. The needed fillip for the sector could create an opportunity for the innovation and diversification of the sector and Bangladesh should seize the opportunity. The commerce secretary at the programme has said that the government wants to meet light engineering entrepreneurs as small changes could improve the industry. The export of light engineering products, which have fetched some money, has remained somewhat stagnant for long. Because the entrepreneurs in the sector are faced with the shortage of capital and have limited connections on the international market. The government should now seriously take note of the barriers that hinder the growth of the light engineering sector.

The government should, therefore, afford the needed fillips to the light engineering sector on issues that have come up to reap the benefits. It should also attend to the issue of skills of the people employed in the sector.​

 

[Bilal9]

Bangladeshi ingenuity knows no bounds. Local problem (water hyacinth propagation) with local solutions.