Commerce Adviser Sheikh Bashir Uddin inaugurated International Ceramic Fair- 4th Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2025 at Bashundhara International Convention Centre in the city on Thursday.

Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) is organising the fair. The fair will continue until November 30.
Over 135 organisations and 300 brands from 25 countries including Bangladesh have registered for participation. In addition, 500 international representatives and buyers from this sector have participating.

The commerce Adviser urged businessmen on this occasion to come up with realistic proposals to explore the potential of ceramic industry to make it as a major export sector.

He said the garment export sector became global in just a decade, why can’t the ceramic sector, he wondered. He told businessmen that changing politics have proven that the ‘connection-based business’ of the past will no longer work. The time is now for skills, competence and technology.

He asked, “Why can’t ceramics get to that point? But we still have challenges of sustainable cost competitiveness, design innovation, logistics efficiency, productivity and energy management.

We need to identify these and move towards with realistic solutions. Let’s innovate together and take our industry forward in global competition.”
Regarding gas crisis in the ceramic sector, he said, “We hear a lot of debate about gas crisis in Bangladesh. But in reality, we don’t want to admit that the government has been successful in dealing with this crisis.” But situation has improved a lot, he said.

He said, “The problem exists no more like before. It came through timely decisions and effective actions. Therefore, unless we recognize this success, the problem will not be solved.”

The commerce adviser further said, “After independence, domestic companies gradually expanded many times over. This sector has made significant progress, but now we have to compete against ourselves. Our goal should be; not just to survive, but to excel in the market.”
Speaking as a special guest at the inaugural, Italian Ambassador to Dhaka Antonio Alessandro said, 8 companies have participated in this fair. Bangladesh can also focus on the garment sector.

In that case, the ceramic sector can be a good alternative for export diversification. Italy can help in the development of the ceramic sector in Bangladesh. The two countries can exchange technological capabilities.
BCMEA President Mainul Islam said, “The ceramic sector is one of the potential export sectors of Bangladesh. If we get adequate opportunities and facilities, we can also become a big sector like the garment sector.

“We should focus on two aspects. One is policy support and the other is ensuring adequate fuel. Fuel is the lifeline of this sector. We need uninterrupted fuel.”

Mohammad Hasan Arif, the current vice chairman and CEO of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), said, “We have to take our products to global market. We are organizing a Global Sourcing Expo. I hope BCMEA will organize a Global Ceramic Expo in the future.”
Local industry insiders voiced confidence today that Bangladesh is ready to compete with major producers. Bridge Chemie Limited, a leading domestic supplier, emphasised readiness to support production and supply chains.

Their CEO, Nazmul Karim, said, “Bangladesh’s ceramic sector stands at a critical juncture where strategic intervention could transform it into a global powerhouse rivaling the country’s renowned garment industry.”

He added the company ensures that materials, machines and technical services meet international standards before delivery, stressing quality control and reliability.
Leadership of the organising body also weighed in strongly. Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA)’s Fair?Organising Committee Chairman and General Secretary Irfan Uddin declared: “Our manufacturers, exporters and suppliers now get a platform to present their new products, modern technologies and expertise to a global audience.”

He added that thanks to improved quality and innovative design, Bangladeshi ceramic products are gaining greater global acceptance. He urged participants to leverage the expo to secure export orders and technology partnerships.

The domestic ceramic sector now counts more than 70 factories producing tiles, tableware and sanitaryware. Annual domestic demand is estimated around Tk80 billion. Over the past decade, production and investment have nearly doubled. Export markets exceed 50 countries, generating about Tk5 billion per year. Sector investment has passed Tk180 billion, with direct and indirect employment nearing half a million.
Participating countries this year include major ceramic-producing and export-oriented nations such as China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Turkey, Italy, Spain, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Japan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh – along with other Asian and European markets – underlining the global interests drawn by this edition.

With bold local statements and this level of global turnout, the expo sends a clear message: Bangladesh is not just aspiring – it is preparing. In the next three days, success will depend on whether local manufacturers transform interest into concrete export deals, technology transfers and long-term global partnerships.

Among 35 local participants the major companies are ARTISAN Ceramics, Shinepur Ceramics, Peoples Ceramics Ltd, Omera, Chemie Tech, Clay Image, Dacca Ceramics, Solar ceramics, Sheltech ceramics, DBL ceramics and others.