Bangladesh has formed a 31 member task force to prepare a roadmap for developing its leather industry with priorities including higher production capacity, product diversification, environmental compliance and expanded export markets.

The Industries Minister will head the task force while other ministers will serve as members according to a government notification published on November 2 as reported by The Daily Star.

The committee also includes representatives from several government ministries and agencies, including the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Bangladesh Bank, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) and Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI) along with industry associations.

The task force will assess rawhide processing, production capacity and the industry’s preparedness for Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country category. It will also recommend measures to attract investment, improve access to technology and finance, strengthen traceability and expand international market access.

A key priority will be reviewing the performance of the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) at the Savar Tannery Industrial Estate and helping factories meet international environmental standards including those set by the Leather Working Group.

The committee must submit its preliminary roadmap and recommendations within 60 days of its formation.