 | Printing: the next big thing for Bangladesh
13 July, 2011
The printing industry in Bangladesh has the potential to become the second highest foreign exchange earning sector, after the ready made garments sector, a leading entrepreneur said yesterday.
“It can add immense value. During a recent visit to the US, I received a number of queries,” said Hasina Newaaz, proprietor of Orchid Printers, one of the country's largest printing houses.
“With great opportunities for the sector, it can be the next big thing for Bangladesh,” she told The Daily Star.
There are over 7,000 printing houses in Bangladesh. Of them, 3,000 are in Dhaka.
Hasina said there is no alternative to seeking lucrative markets to running a business. “We have the capacity to do that. There are a very few countries in the world that can offer cheap products -- which is something we can do.”
“However, it will require huge capital. Here, the government has a role to play in helping set up world-class printing houses.”
Hasina, a good student all along, said, “After completing my masters in Bengali literature from Rajshahi University I could easily start a job, but I did not. Giving birth to my daughter soon after my masters, I realised that with a nine-to-five job, I would not be able to take care of my son.”
“I wanted to do something, staying at home,” said Hasina.
She said starting this business was like a tradition in her family. “My father was in the printing business. I had access to his business. I learnt the ABCs of this trade from him and got inspired.”
Hasina first started a small business in 1978, exporting turtles, snails and hilsha fish to Hong Kong. “I exported the marine items to Hong Kong for four years. When the business came to an end due to some environmental concerns, I had to find something more long-lasting.”
Release link:http://www.thedailystar.net/newDesign/news-details.php?nid=193962
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