Bangladesh pitched its leather and footwear sector as a high-value sourcing destination at a business seminar in Seoul on 24 February, aiming to boost exports and deepen trade ties with South Korea.
Titled “Bangladesh: Your New High-Value Partner for Quality Leather Goods & Footwear”, the seminar was organised by the Bangladesh Embassy in South Korea and featured a seven-member business delegation led by Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh President Syed Nasim Manzur.
Around 30 leading South Korean importing and manufacturing firms attended the event, reflecting strong interest in Bangladeshi products.
Bangladesh Ambassador to South Korea Taufiq Islam Shatil said the two countries enjoy long-standing friendly relations but significant untapped potential remains in bilateral trade, particularly in leather and footwear, a key export sector for Bangladesh.
He said the political stability following the recent national elections has created a conducive environment for foreign investment and business expansion.
Korea Importers Association Executive Vice Chairman Ambassador Kwon Ki-chang said South Korea’s fashion-conscious younger generation has strong demand for premium leather goods and added that Bangladesh’s quality production can meet that demand.
Youngone Corporation President Minsuhk Lee shared his company’s experience of operating in the Korean Export Processing Zone in Bangladesh and outlined its success there.
In a technical session, Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh President Syed Nasim Manzur presented a keynote paper highlighting the industry’s production capacity, quality assurance and compliance standards.
He pointed to Bangladesh’s demographic dividend and strategic geographic location as key advantages for investors.
Bangladesh Embassy Commercial Counsellor Md Najmul Haque discussed bilateral trade figures, the transition related to least developed country graduation, the proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and government incentives available to the leather sector.
Five-R Footwear Ltd Director Riyan Nasir Khan highlighted simplified investment facilities at Bangladesh Shoe City in Gazipur.
Major firms including Picard Bangladesh Ltd, BLJ Bangladesh Corporation Ltd, Craftsman Footwear & Accessories Ltd and Fortune Shoes Ltd showcased their production capabilities and export portfolio at the event.
The seminar concluded with a business-to-business matchmaking session, where South Korean entrepreneurs expressed interest in future collaboration.
The delegation wrapped up its three-day official visit to South Korea on 25 February, a move expected to add fresh momentum to bilateral commercial relations.
