The Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BCMEA), in collaboration with Foshan Uniceramics Expo, China, successfully hosted the China-Bangladesh Ceramics Annual Conference 2026 today at the Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka. Centered on the theme “Empowering Technology, Winning Tomorrow Together,” the conference brought together international delegates, technical experts, and industry leaders to explore the future of ceramic manufacturing through bilateral cooperation and technological advancement.
Opening the event, Irfan Uddin, General Secretary of BCMEA and Director of FARR Ceramics Ltd., emphasized that progress in the modern era is inextricably linked to partnership. “Empowering technology, winning tomorrow together reflects our belief that meaningful collaboration, knowledge exchange, and innovation are the foundation of a stronger and more competitive ceramic industry,” he stated, adding that “no industry can grow alone” in today’s interconnected world.
The conference highlighted the significant growth potential of the Bangladeshi market. Eva Chan, Overseas Business Department Manager of Uniceramics China, shared insights from China’s development, noting that Bangladesh’s current per capita ceramic consumption of one square meter presents a massive opportunity compared to China’s peak of 6.9 square meters. “The gap is huge, which means the growth potential is equally huge. This is where the opportunity lies,” Chan remarked, encouraging Bangladeshi manufacturers to shift from price-based competition to focusing on quality, design, and branding.
Representing the broader trade relationship, Mohammad Khorshed Alam, President of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI), reinforced the commitment to connecting businesses from both nations. “I strongly believe that through cooperation with the China business partners, we can create new opportunities in both the local and international market,” he noted, highlighting the importance of technology transfer and skill development.
Special Guest Md. Mamunur Rashid FCMA, Senior Vice President of BCMEA and Additional Managing Director of X Ceramics Group, pointed to the resilience of the national economy as a catalyst for investment. “The ceramics industry represents one of Bangladesh’s most dynamic and promising manufacturing sectors,” Rashid said, noting that the country now produces world-class tableware, tiles, and sanitary wear exported to Europe, North America, and the Middle East.
The Chief Guest, Moynul Islam, President of BCMEA and Chairman of Monno Group of Industries, reflected on the historical bond between the two nations and the need for continuous learning. “Today’s gathering is much more than a conference. It is a meeting of minds, a platform for innovations, and an opportunity to build a stronger partnership between two nations that share a common vision for industrial growth,” Islam stated. He urged the industry to look toward Chinese efficiency and innovative solutions for energy challenges, such as electric kilns and hydrogen-enriched heating systems.
Abdul Hakim Sumon, Senior Vice President of BCMEA and Managing Director of Excellence Ceramics Group, delivered the vote of thanks, stressing the need for the industry to adapt to energy challenges. “We must think about how to work closer with China… we have to go to alternative sources, like solar, because we cannot just depend on gas,” he emphasised, calling for an open-minded approach to sharing technical support within the sector.
The opening session concluded with a crest distribution ceremony, honouring the Chinese delegates and key contributors, signalling a new chapter of enhanced cooperation between the Bangladeshi and Chinese ceramic sectors.
The conference proceeded with a technical session titled “Technology & Innovation in Industry & Bangladesh Market Potential,” chaired by Rasheed Mymunul Islam, Vice President of BCMEA and Managing Director of Monno Ceramic Ind. Ltd.
Mohammad Ziaur Rahman, Deputy General Manager of Akij Ceramics Ltd., delivered the keynote address of the technical session.
The panellists of the technical session included Mohammad Khourshed Alam, CEO of RAK Ceramics (Bangladesh) Ltd., George Yang, Export Manager of Guangdong Dinghe Superhard Tools, Ahmad Jubair, Sales Engineer at Zhaoqing Jinma Leading Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd., and Jack Ma, Sales Manager at Renqiu Kangjie Sanitary Ware.
The session concluded with a floor discussion and Q&A session, followed by specialised sponsor presentations from Foshan Perpetual Technology Co. Ltd. and Zibo Vantron Chemical Technology Co. Ltd.
The event wrapped up with a networking session and closing remarks by Mohd Ziaul Hoque (Zico), Director of BCMEA and Deputy Managing Director & CEO of Hua Thai Ceramics Industry Ltd.
Also present at the event were Saquif Ariff Tabani, Adviser, BCMEA & Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Khadim Ceramics Ltd, and Hamzah Saquif Tabani, Director, BCMEA and Director of Khadim Ceramics Ltd.