Xiaomi starts manufacturing phones in Bangladesh

Xiaomi, the global smartphone giant, on Thursday, announced that it would manufacture approximately 3 million mobile phones per year locally in Bangladesh.

A manufacturing plant on an area of 55,000 sqft has been set up in Gazipur for this purpose under the 'Made in Bangladesh' branding.

Posts and Telecommunications Minister Mustafa Jabbar virtually inaugurated the factory in a Dhaka hotel.

Xiaomi has collaborated with DBG Technology BD Ltd to manufacture its smartphones in Bangladesh and also announced to employ around 1,000 workforces in the plant in the initial phase, said a press release. 

Ziauddin Chowdhury, country manager, Xiaomi Bangladesh, said, "Local manufacturing shows Xiaomi's commitment to being in Bangladesh for the long haul, and we can contribute to generating more jobs in Bangladesh. We are truly excited to be playing a role in enhancing the quality of life of the people of Bangladesh."

Salman Fazlur Rahman, adviser to the Prime Minister on Private Industry and Investment, said, "We are happy to partner with Xiaomi to set up their first manufacturing unit in Bangladesh as part of the Digital Bangladesh initiative. This partnership will create more employment opportunities for the youth in Bangladesh."

Mustafa Jabbar, minister for Posts and Telecommunications, said, "Today is a day of immense pleasure and great pride for Bangladesh. Today a renowned brand like Xiaomi is setting up a factory in Bangladesh. We are now on the verge of realizing the vision of 'Digital Bangladesh' announced by Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."

"Mobile devices produced in 14 factories in our country are now meeting more than 65 per cent of the total demand of the country," he added.

Zunaid Ahmed Palak, state minister for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Division, said, "This is a great step by Xiaomi. This will help us attain our 'Digital Bangladesh' vision and get one step closer to our 'Made in Bangladesh' dream. I strongly believe people of Bangladesh will be now getting world-class and innovative devices of Xiaomi at a competitive price." 

The company's first phone to be assembled in Bangladesh belongs to the Redmi sub-brand, which is expected to be available in the market from 1st week of November 2021.

Subsequently, POCO and Xiaomi series will be made in the country.