'Ongoing pandemic created potential for production, export of MPPE'

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has shed light on the potential of investing in the production and export of medical personal protective equipment (MPPE), analysts said at a webinar today.

"The MPPE industry is very close to our strength since the garments, plastic, and pharmaceutical industries can easily make adjustments to produce MPPE," said Abul Kasem Khan, chairperson of the Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD).

"So, it is wise for us to pick a sector like this to diversify our export basket."

Khan made these comments at the webinar on "Exploring growth opportunities: production and export of MPPE", organised by BUILD.

Export diversification is a major challenge for Bangladesh as the country seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on garments, Khan said. The best strategy for Bangladesh now will be working on the country's strengths, he said.

He mentioned five key areas to focus on for developing the sector: ensuring the right products, proper incentives, appropriate policies, knowledge and skills and proper use of technology and logistics.

The Covid-19 presented not only serious challenges, but also certain opportunities, and the MPPE industry is one such opportunity, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said.

He believes MPPE will contribute to the journey to produce more value-added and diversified products.

"We have also seen that Bangladesh has a lot of opportunities in this industry for local producers and exporters," said Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh.

Bangladesh needs to develop the MPPE industry in a strategic manner by setting up targets, extending the right incentives, ensuring public-private cooperation and following up closely on the progress and constraints, Ghosh added.