“We ask all involved to take steps to provide all possible help and support possible to this industry,” she said.
The prime minister inaugurated the 22nd annual fair at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on the first day of the new year on Sunday.
Businesses from 21 countries will participate in the fair, which is a joint programme organised by the Ministry of Commerce and the Export Promotion Bureau.
At the inaugural ceremony, the prime minister said that the leather exports had increased 71 times in the last 45 years. In FY2015-16, leather exports accounted for $1.16 billion.
“I am declaring leather, footwear and leather products as the national ‘Product of the Year’, so that we may be able to make full use of the opportunities afforded by this emerging industry,” she said.
A total of 577 stalls and pavilions in 13 categories will come up during the fair this year. 48 of these would be stalls set up by foreign business concerns.