Online Desk: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday announced the formation of a leather industry development authority for the growth of the country’s leather and leather goods sector. “I am announcing a leather development authority for the improvement of the leather industry. We, the Prime Minister’s Office, will form a leather industry development authority separately,” she said.

The premier made this announcement while inaugurating the 4th edition of Bangladesh Leather Footwear and Leather Goods International Sourcing Show (BLLISS-2023) at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city. But the BLLISS-2023 is being held at International Convention City Bashundhara till Saturday next.

Sheikh Hasina said her government has a plan to develop area-based tannery industry (industrial estates) in several more places including Chattogram and Rajshahi in the country in phases. “If we can do it (developing area-based tannery industry), the preservation, processing and use of leathers would go up. Because, it will develop as a big industry for us,” she said.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi, Senior Secretary of the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Founder of Golden Chang Group James Ho and Founder & Chairman of Advanced Manufacturing Group Jonathan Bobbett spoke on the occasion. President of Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB) Syed Nasim Manzur delivered the welcome speech.