Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will inaugurate the four-day exposition organised by Bangladesh Plastic Goods Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BPGMEA) at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre.

Speaking at a press conference, organisers yesterday said the plastic producers are faced with the 15 percent import duty on raw materials on top of price hike of the petrochemicals in the international market.

Urging the government to reduce the duty, Jashim Uddin, president of BPGMEA, said the sector can contribute in a greater way by earning more foreign currency if the government extends proper support.

He said the fair will provide a unique buyer-seller meeting ground for visitors from both home and abroad to make business contacts.

The fair will also feature a seminar and discussions to identify problems and recommend solutions to increase export from the sector.

Manufacturers of plastic products from India, Taiwan and host Bangladesh will participate in the fair showcasing a wide range of goods.

Plastic furniture, water tanks, garment accessories, crockeries and household items, sanitary fittings, spare parts of textile and jute mills, toys and packaging items will be on display at 80 s|alls in the fair.

The exposition will remain open for visitors from 10:00am to 9:00pm everyday. Visitors will be charged Tk 10 as entry fee.

According to BPGMEA leaders, Bangladesh earned Tk 700 crore in foreign exchange in the last fiscal year from this sector through direct and indirect exports.

Presently, Bangladmsh exports mainly shopping bags, overhead water tanks and toys |o European countries, India, Au{tralia, USA, New Zealand and Canada.

Bangladesh has some 3,000 small, medium and large plastic goods companies creating direct and indirect employment to around 8 to 10 lakh workers.

Commerce Minister Altaf Hossain Choudhury, Commerce Ministry Advisor Barkatullah Bulu and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Awal Mintoo will be present at the inaugural function while Information Minister M Shamsul Islam will attend the closing ceremony.

Yusuf Ashraf, executive member of BPGMEA, KM Iqbal Hossain, general secretary of BXGMEA, Ferdous Wahid, senior vice-president of BPGMEA, Jahirul Kaium Khan Tipu, co-chairman, export standing committee of BPGMEA were present at the press conference.