BSCIC to launch its own e-com platform

Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) is all set to launch an e-commerce platform to promote locally-made products, produced within its industrial units, in both domestic and global markets.

Under the project, the local cottage, micro, small and medium entrepreneurs will get a common digital platform to display their products for buyers in both home and abroad.

At the same time, entrepreneurs who received training from BSCIC will also be able to showcase their goods and products in the platform.

Any CMSME can also sell their goods through the platform upon registration.

Confirming the matter to The Business Post, BSCIC Chairman Md Mostaque Hasan said Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun will officially inaugurate e-commerce platform on September 16.

Buyers from any part of the world will be able to find an array of locally-made goods, ranging from daily necessities to luxurious products. There will also be a system of fast delivery along with mobile payment facilities.

There will be multiple options to transact in multiple currencies, such as Bangladesh taka and US dollars, among many others.

The BSCIC initiative comes amid strong demand for a platform to enable local producers gain international exposure.

“We used to make products from water hyacinth and have been doing well in the business. But, we cannot display our products through the local fair to draw the attention of international buyers. We hope to perform well in the market after the initiative implemented,” said Wafi Islam, proprietor of Mymensingh-based handicraft enterprise Bimurto.

Meanwhile, Kamrun Naher, who makes Nashi Katha from Rajbari, said, “There is no level playing field for us to display our products in the national fair. So, the small entrepreneurs cannot survive in this market. It is good news that we will now find a common platform to display our products.”

Talking to The Business Post, Bangladesh Handicrafts Manufacturers and Exporters Association (Banglacraft) Senior Vice-President Shahid Hussain Shamim, said, “We cordially welcome the initiative of BSCIC. But, we have witnessed that local e-commerce platforms lack professionalism and were not being maintained properly. If the platform is maintained by business-oriented and professional people, our local products have a chance to hit the international market. Firstly, we have to give priority in the domestic market.”

In this regard, BSCIC Chairman Md Mostaque Hasan said, “The country is going to enter a new era. There are many online platforms in the market for e-commerce but both buyers and sellers cannot find the confidence to trade due to fraudulent activities. Now, local entrepreneurs will find a confident platform and the buyers will also be benefited as we will strictly monitor the activities of the platform. We will operate it through experts to ensure professionalism.”