Ceramic industry is going to be a potential sector for export and employment. Currently, more than 500,000 people are engaged in the local ceramics industry. The international market for ceramics is about 2 trillion dollars. Among them, Bangladeshi brand products are going to more than 50 countries including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Italy. Now the Middle East market has also opened new doors. Currently, there is a huge demand for domestic ceramics in the Middle East. Although Bangladesh’s share in the international market is very small, export demand is increasing due to the impact of US-China trade war. As a result, entrepreneurs are moving ahead with plans to produce imported alternative ceramic products.According to the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA), the country is developing and at present there is a demand of 10 trillion ceramics every year. At present, 85 percent ceramics are being made in the country. With some more patronage from the government, it is possible to export more ceramic products abroad by meeting the domestic demand.It is known that in the fiscal year 2018-19, the export income in the ceramic sector was 69 million dollars which is about 56 crore in Bangladeshi currency. At present it has exceeded thousands of crores. Domestic ceramics are being exported to India and South Africa. In these countries there is a huge demand for domestic table wire, floor tiles, sanitary, commode and basin. The ceramic industry has expanded a lot in the country. But in this case, we are still lagging behind. Our cost to deliver the product to the international market is much higher than other countries. Import of raw materials is taxed at 32 percent. There is no proper arrangement for direct and fast delivery of goods abroad. Due to this our products cost a lot more to reach the world market.The country is becoming self-sufficient in ceramic industry. At one time ceramics meant import dependent. But now 75 percent is being produced in the country. We are exporting ceramics worth thousands of crores of rupees a year. Earlier, a large amount of foreign currency went abroad.This industry would have expanded further if the government had created skilled manpower through the project.
Best Exhibition organizer Eco Expo also doing work for the development of this sector.
