Shama calls for local, foreign investment in cosmetics sector

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam has called for greater local and foreign investment in Bangladesh’s cosmetics, skincare and personal care industry, urging stakeholders to transform the multi-billion-taka sector from an import-dependent market into a major hub for manufacturing, exports and investment.

She made the call while inaugurating Cosmética Dhaka 2026, powered by Remark Herlan, a three-day exhibition on cosmetics, skincare and personal care products, at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in Kuril, Dhaka, on Thursday.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony, Shama Obaid said Bangladesh could leverage the production capacity, compliance infrastructure, skilled workforce and global buyer relationships developed through its apparel industry to build a competitive cosmetics sector.

“By leveraging the production capacity, compliance infrastructure, skilled workforce and global buyer relationships that we have developed in the readymade garment industry, it is possible to establish contract manufacturing, formulation, specialised packaging, quality laboratories and certification facilities in the cosmetics sector as well,” she said.

She also stressed the potential of Bangladesh’s agricultural and natural resources.

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“If we can build a strong supply chain of certified botanical and herbal ingredients by utilising Bangladesh’s agriculture and natural resources, this sector will not only meet domestic demand but also open new export opportunities for Bangladesh in the global market,” she said.

The state minister said the government’s vision was to take the industry beyond “Made in Bangladesh” towards “Formulated, Developed and Branded in Bangladesh”.

“To achieve this, we need to ensure investment facilitation, internationally recognised testing and certification, intellectual property protection, sustainable packaging and necessary support for small and medium-sized entrepreneurs,” she said.

“If we can establish an integrated industrial base by ensuring environmentally friendly production, safe raw materials and international standards, the cosmetics and personal care sector could emerge as a new and powerful area for foreign currency earnings, employment generation and economic diplomacy in Bangladesh,” she added.

Renowned cosmetics brands, manufacturers, suppliers, retailers and health experts from 16 countries, including South Korea, Thailand, the United States, France, Singapore, China, Japan and India, are participating in this year’s exhibition.

The three-day event features more than 100 product stalls, live demonstrations, beauty consultations, discussions with skincare experts and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs.