'Hazaribagh leather cluster an example of products diversification for SMEs'

Speakers at a seminar Thursday said cluster-based specialised product development will accelerate the pace of product diversification and enhance the capacity of small entrepreneurs, reports UNB.

A cluster of luxury and quality leather products has been developed in Hazaribagh of the capital after the heavy leather industry relocated to Savar, they added. "The annual turnover in this cluster is about Tk 600 million (60 crore)."

They were speaking at a seminar on the potential and future of leather products in the Hazaribagh cluster at capital's Agargaon.

Abdul Hamid, director general of the environment department and Md Masudur Rahman, chair of the SME Foundation spoke at the event.

SME Foundation is supporting product upgrades, diversification and skill development in the cluster.

According to the SME Foundation's cluster mapping study, various products, including leather shoes, belts, wallets, jackets, and official bags are produced in the leather cluster, developed at the old tannery village in Hazaribagh of the capital.

There are around 350-400 shops, showrooms, and small factories of leather goods in the area starting from Hazaribagh Tannery Lane to Leather Technology College, Hazaribagh Bazar, and Dhanmondi 15 Bus Stand Lane.