STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Free trade agreements currently being negotiated with several countries and regional blocs will open new export opportunities for the local furniture sector, said Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin.

He made the remarks while inaugurating the 20th National Furniture Fair 2025 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka yesterday.

The five-day show, organised by the Bangladesh Furniture Industries Owners Association, brings together 48 leading companies and brands.

They are showcasing their latest designs and products across 278 stalls. The association Chairman Selim H Rahman presided over the ceremony.

Bashir Uddin said the government is taking necessary steps to boost furniture exports. However, he pointed out that the sector still lags behind in both design and functionality because of limited innovation.

“Buyers turn away from us not for the price, but for a lack of innovation. Businessmen should increase innovation,” he said, adding that the commerce ministry is working to identify new export markets for the sector.

“The furniture sector reflects aesthetics and taste. We have to work on this,” he added.

Local manufacturers earned $45 million from furniture exports in the fiscal year (FY) 2024-25. Shipments in the July to September quarter of the current FY 2025-26 fell 2.5 percent year-on-year to $10.6 million, according to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).

Bashir Uddin said the furniture sector holds huge potential and called for greater investment to help it grow further.

At the event, EPB Vice-Chairman Mohammad Hasan Arif said export diversification is essential to increasing national income.

He said the furniture sector could reach international standards by making better use of local raw materials, modern technology, and skilled labour.