Industry leaders from Bangladesh and China have called for greater technology transfer, knowledge sharing and investment in innovation to strengthen Bangladesh’s ceramic industry amid rising energy costs and intensifying global competition.

The call came at the China-Bangladesh Ceramics Annual Conference 2026, held at Lakeshore Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday. The event was organised by the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BCMEA) in collaboration with Foshan Uniceramics Expo, China.

Held under the theme “Empowering Technology, Winning Tomorrow Together,” the conference brought together industry leaders, technical experts and international delegates to discuss technological advancement, bilateral cooperation and the future of ceramic manufacturing.

BCMEA General Secretary and FARR Ceramics Director Irfan Uddin said collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation are essential for building a stronger and more competitive industry.

“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 said, stressing that industries cannot achieve sustainable growth in isolation.

Speakers also highlighted the significant potential of Bangladesh’s expanding domestic ceramic market. Eva Chan, Overseas Business Department Manager of Uniceramics China, said Bangladesh’s per capita ceramic consumption is currently around one square metre, compared with China’s peak of 6.9 square metres.

She described the gap as a major growth opportunity and urged Bangladeshi manufacturers to move beyond price-based competition by improving product quality, design and branding to capture both domestic and international markets.

Mohammad Khorshed Alam, president of the Bangladesh China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI), said stronger cooperation between businesses in the two countries could create new opportunities in local and global markets.

He particularly emphasised technology transfer and skills development as key areas for deeper Bangladesh-China cooperation.

BCMEA President and Monno Group of Industries Chairman Moynul Islam, the chief guest at the conference, said the event provided an important platform for exchanging ideas and developing stronger industrial ties between the two countries.

He encouraged Bangladeshi manufacturers to learn from China’s experience in efficiency and technological innovation, particularly in addressing the industry’s growing energy challenges.

He pointed to technologies such as electric kilns and hydrogen-enriched heating systems as potential solutions for reducing dependence on conventional energy sources.

BCMEA Senior Vice President and X Ceramics Group Additional Managing Director Md Mamunur Rashid also highlighted the resilience of Bangladesh’s economy and its potential to attract further investment in the sector.

Meanwhile, BCMEA Senior Vice President and Excellence Ceramics Group Managing Director Abdul Hakim (Sumon) stressed the need to adapt to the changing energy environment.

He called for closer cooperation with Chinese partners and greater use of alternative energy sources, including solar power, arguing that the industry cannot remain solely dependent on natural gas.

Speakers at the conference agreed that greater technical cooperation, innovation and investment in alternative energy could help Bangladesh’s ceramic manufacturers improve efficiency, competitiveness and long-term growth.