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		<lang class="3" colour="#000000" orgstyle="HEAD new 2" style="Headline1"  font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="25">Consumer uncertainty </lang>
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="FROM PAGE" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Bold" size="7">FROM PAGE B4
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">Online platforms have become increasingly important, allowing companies to reduce operational costs while reaching a broader audience. “Investing in after-sales services and customer engagement initiatives can help maintain brand loyalty,” he added.
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">While the overall market has slowed, some product categories have been more affected than others. “Due to inflationary pressures, consumers have been delaying non-essential purchases, leading to a decline in demand across all major electronic categories,” Fairoz observed.
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">“However, as consumer confidence improves, demand is expected to pick up. Essential household appliances, such as refrigerators and washing machines, are likely to see a stronger recovery compared to luxury electronics.”
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">Despite current economic challenges, Bangladesh remains a promising investment market. However, businesses are proceeding cautiously. “Many companies are monitoring market conditions before committing to large-scale investments,” Fairoz said. “In the electronics sector, overcapacity is already an issue, leading companies to focus on optimising existing operations rather than expanding production facilities.”
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">Foreign investors are also closely observing Bangladesh’s economic stability. “A favourable investment climate with consistent policies will be crucial in attracting further investment in the coming years,” he emphasised.
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of modern manufacturing. “Global companies, including our parent company Beko, have already implemented AI-driven solutions across multiple markets,” Fairoz said. “AI can improve production efficiency, streamline supply chains, and enhance product quality.”
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">Singer has begun incorporating robotics and AI-driven automation into its production lines. “Beyond manufacturing, AI is being utilised in areas such as customer service, demand forecasting, and digital marketing. We see AI as a key tool for gaining a competitive advantage in the market.”
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">The electronics sector in Bangladesh is facing multiple challenges, but there are positive signs of recovery. “Government support in the form of stable policies and business-friendly regulations will be crucial in driving industry growth,” Fairoz said. “Encouraging foreign investment and fostering a competitive environment will further strengthen the sector.”
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	<lang class="3" style=".Bodylaser" colour="#000000" orgstyle="BODY new" font="Blacker Pro Display" fontStyle="Regular" size="9">Companies must continue to adapt to changing market conditions by focusing on cost management, innovative marketing strategies, and technological advancements, he said, adding, “By leveraging AI, optimising supply chains, and improving customer engagement, businesses can navigate the current economic uncertainties and position themselves for long-term success.”
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