The country’s ceramic industry is going to explore at least 20-25 per cent of global market by the next five to seven years.

The industry already witnessed at least 200 per cent growth in the domestic market over the period of last few years.

President of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA) Md Shirajul Islam Mollah came up with the revelation during the inauguration of a three-day international Ceramic Expo Bangladesh 2019 on Thursday at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital, which is going to end today (Saturday).

He said that they arranged the event to promote ceramic exports. “At present, we are meeting around 85-90 per cent demand for ceramic items in the domestic market,” he informed. Also, he said that the country’s producers were now shipping ceramic products to around 50 countries across the world and earned about $50 million every year on an average, which was 04 per cent of the global market.

Currently 60 companies, with an estimated total of Tk 8,500 crore investment, employ nearly 05 lakh employees in expanding the ceramic sector.

Earlier, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi inaugurated the exhibition on Thursday, while Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industries President Sheikh Fazle Fahim and BCMEA General Secreatary Irfan Uddin were present, among others.

The minister in his inaugural speech said the demand for Bangladesh-made ceramic products in global market was increasing everyday for their sheer quality and design.

Besides, new markets for ceramic products were also opening up, he said, adding that the country’s ceramic items were now used in different five-star international hotels, which was a matter of pride.

“The government is planning more facilities for the industry so that manufacturers can boost their exports,” Munshi said, hoping that ceramic would secure the third or fourth position in export earnings soon. The event is the second edition of the annual exhibition the BCMEA has been arranging since 2017.

A total of 120 companies and 150 brands from 20 countries, including major Bangladeshi brands, participated in the expo to showcase their products.

Different local and international ceramic companies, including Shinepukur, Akij, Sheltech, DBL, Stella, Mir, Greatwall, Monno, Monica, Ferro, Johnson and Saint-Gobain showcased their tiles, sanitary wares and tablewares in the exhibition.

At least five seminars were held on the sideline of the expo to highlight country’s ceramic industry.