Hasina made the announcement during the inaugural ceremony for the 23rd Dhaka International Trade Fair on Monday.

Hasina said she believes Bangladesh’s pharmaceuticals can reach the same level of international recognition and respect as garment.

“Bangladesh’s pharmaceuticals are a high-tech industry. Not only does the industry meet the demands of 98 percent of the population, it currently exports to over 100 countries, including the US, the UK, the EU and Australia,” she said.

The prime minister also spoke of beginning construction work on the Munshiganj Raw Material Production Park in Munshiganj to develop the industry.

In 2017, leather and leather products were named the Product of the Year.

“Leather and leather products are our second largest export sector, after readymade garment,” she said.

The prime minister emphasised the need to export leather goods rather than simply raw leather.

“The more value we can add to our products the more we will benefit and the more jobs it can create.”

Hasina’s cabinet colleagues, members of parliament, top government officials, leading exporters and business leaders and local and foreign representatives attended the event at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre.

A documentary film on Bangladesh’s development was shown at the start of the event.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Commerce Chairman Tajul Islam Choudhury and Commerce Secretary Subhasish Basu and Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry President Md Shafiul Alam also delivered speeches.

Export Promotion Bureau Vice Chairman Bijoy Bhattacharjee gave the introductory speech.