Policy support demanded to reduce import reliance in $6 billion market
DCCI Urges Roadmap for Chemical Backward Linkage Sector
- DCCI hosts seminar on backward linkage in the chemical-dependent sector
- Call to eliminate high import duties and bureaucratic delays for raw materials
- Bangladesh imported $6.2 billion worth of chemical raw materials in 2025
Although Bangladesh's domestic chemical market exceeds $6 billion, its backward linkage sector struggles to gain momentum due to high import reliance, energy shortages, and logistical infrastructure bottlenecks. To safeguard the country's export sectors, Taskeen Ahmed, President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), has urged the formulation of an effective roadmap to boost backward linkage capabilities.
Speaking as the chair at a seminar titled 'Development of Backward Linkage Sector in Chemical-Dependent Export-Oriented Industries' held at the DCCI Auditorium in Motijheel on Saturday (July 25), the DCCI President emphasized that the global competitiveness of Bangladesh's RMG, textile, leather, and pharmaceutical industries heavily relies on a smooth chemical supply chain. High import duties and complex approval procedures continue to hinder progress. The keynote presentation revealed that the local demand for chemicals is growing by 10-15% annually, with Bangladesh importing $6.2 billion worth of chemical raw materials in 2025.
Speaking as a special guest, Md. Salim Ullah, Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM), noted that the industrial policy is currently undergoing reforms to accommodate business needs. Suraiya Sultana, Second Secretary of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), highlighted that import tariffs are being gradually reduced to promote local production, alongside fully digitizing the bonded warehouse licensing system. Representatives from BGMEA, BKMEA, and BAPI also demanded policy support similar to the garments sector to establish a sustainable chemical ecosystem.
//DBTech/BNN/SME//
