TBT Desk: The 6th International Papertech Expo has commenced at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka, with the aim of unlocking new opportunities for the paper and packaging industry. The three-day exhibition began on Monday, and will run until Wednesday.
The event features nearly 300 companies from 25 countries, showcasing innovations and technologies in the paper sector. The expo is open to visitors from 10am to 7pm daily.
The exhibition was inaugurated at Hall No 4 (Navratri Hall) of ICCB, with the Secretary General of the Bangladesh Paper Mills Association, Mostafa Kamal Moheyuddin, attending as the chief guest. Special guests included Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman, senior deputy managing director of Bashundhara Group and chairman of the Export and Marketing Development Committee of the Bangladesh Paper Mills Association, and Chao Lumen, deputy director of the China National Pulp and Paper Research Institute.
Organised by Bangladesh Exhibitions Private Limited, the event is supported by the Bangladesh Paper Mills Association.
Mostafa Kamal Moheyuddin noted the significant challenges facing the paper sector both locally and globally, emphasising the importance of the knowledge shared at the expo for the industry's progress. "Through collective effort, we must take the industry forward, and we are optimistic about a brighter future for this sector," he said.
Mohammad Mustafizur Rahman highlighted the importance of advancing technology to sustain the paper industry. He mentioned that the Expo invited the China Paper Mills Association and the China National Pulp and Paper Research Institute, both of which have responded positively. "Various companies from around the world are participating in this expo, which will benefit our local industries," he remarked.
He also pointed out that the US and China had imposed additional duties on each other's products, opening an opportunity for China to invest in Bangladesh.
On the inaugural day, visitors were seen flocking to the stalls, where companies displayed their paper products. Attendees and dealers were inspecting the quality and prices of the products, with many taking contact details from company representatives to place orders later.
Bashundhara Group's subsidiary, Bashundhara Paper Mills Limited, is participating in the exhibition, showcasing products such as Bashundhara Paper, tissue, toilet paper, and hygiene products at their pavilion (Stalls No 453, 456, 469, and 470).
Syed Zulkarnain, denior executive of Marketing (Sector C) at Bashundhara Paper Mills, said that, "We are displaying a variety of our high-quality products at the Papertech Expo. The response from buyers and dealers has been excellent."
Other participants, like Bengal Group, have also displayed a wide range of tissue products, aiming to enhance their brand visibility. "Our primary goal is to increase brand recognition and promote our products," said Haidar Nasir Uddin, general manager of Sales and Marketing at Bengal Group.
Sukanto Ray Shanto, manager at Gourang Saha Paper and Board Mills Limited, stated, "We are participating in this expo to showcase the quality of our paper products. Our range includes craft paper, medium paper, colour media paper, and liner paper, and we are presenting these products to potential customers."
The Papertech Expo is set to be a pivotal platform for the paper and packaging industry, bringing together key players and fostering collaboration for future growth.