Shoe exports soar
Bangladesh’s leather footwear exports increased significantly in the first five months of the current fiscal year (July to November 2007) to reach $61.09 million, up 18.5% from the $51.53 million reported in the same period of the prior year.
However, despite the positive trend, representatives from the leather and footwear industries are still concerned about the future for these sectors. Members of the Bangladesh Finished Leather, Leathergoods and Footwear Exporters' Association (BFLLFEA) and the Bangladesh Tanners Association (BTA) recently held talks with the government over their concerns regarding the delay in completing a new leather and footwear park in Savar, which will not go on stream until 2010, stating that if the sector does not become more environmentally-friendly it will lose its position on the international market.
