Despite duty-free access to EU markets, individual countries impose various non-tariff barriers, hampering exports to Europe, Sahabuddin told the inaugural session of a training programme for producers of interior accessories in Dhaka.

He also put emphasis on the need for establishing more design centres to improve product quality.

Traidcraft Exchange Bangladesh, a registered charity, organised the programme to reduce poverty through fairer market opportunities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and empowering marginal producers, workers, especially women of selected sectors.

Nicholas Taylor, first secretary of European Commission, Dhaka, Jackie Corlett of Traidcraft, Helen McCree, project manager, and Shahed H Ferdous, country manager, also spoke.