🇧🇩 Electronics and Home Appliances Industry in Bangladesh (2 Viewers)

[Saif]

Electronics industry in Bangladesh - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Electronics Industry in Bangladesh

The electronics industry in Bangladesh is one of the fastest-growing industries in the country with great potential. Popular Bangladeshi electronics brands include Walton Electronics, Singer Bangladesh, Jamuna Electronics, Vision Electronics (PRAN-RFL Group). Local companies such as Fair Group, Butterfly Group, Electra, Rangs Group, Electro Mart, and Transcom Group manufacture and assembles Electronics Home Appliances in collaboration with foreign brands such as Samsung, Whirlpool, LG, Sony, Gree, Konka, and Sharp.

History

The use of electronics in Bangladesh started in the 1930s through the field of communication with the establishment of radio stations, telephone exchanges, and wireless communication. During World War II, to satisfy military needs, the technology of wireless communication was enhanced and the latest technology was introduced in British Raj.

In 1962, a plant was set up in Dhaka to produce radio sets. In 1967, it started assembling television sets.[2] A digital telephone system was introduced in 1983 and mobile phones came in 1992. Before 1980, most of the domestic appliances and equipment were imported, except the one-band radio, but after 1980 many assembly plants for radio, television, audio, and video cassette recorders and players were established.

Since 1990, advanced products like computers, cordless telephones, satellite TV signal-receiving equipment, etc., started to be assembled, and some spare parts also began to be manufactured. By this time, a number of multinational companies have set up assembly and manufacturing plants in the country. Local companies, in joint collaboration with foreign companies, have established assembly and manufacturing plants. At present, the total number of such companies is more than sixty. Since 1994, after Bangladesh's integration into the free market agreement, all kinds of commodities, including electronic products, began to be imported freely, which created a competitive environment. By the 2000s, revolution started and few local companies began to export locally manufactured electronic home appliances abroad. Walton, Jamuna Electronics, Marcel, Vision, ViGO, Minister, etc. were the frontier leaders to start the manufacture of electronic goods in Bangladesh. After Walton, many other local companies started manufacturing electronic home appliances in the country.

Walton introduced the country's first compressor manufacturing plant in April 2017. In 2017, Samsung inaugurated two home appliances manufacturing plant in Bangladesh, in a collaboration with Fair Electronics and Transcom Electronics. In 2018, LG Electronics inaugurated TV manufacturing plant in Bangladesh, in a collaboration Butterfly Group. LG also plans to open a refrigerator and air conditioner manufacturing plant in 2019. Japanese electronics brand Sharp and Fujitsu General home appliances also started their journey in Bangladesh with a local conglomerate, Esquire Electronics.

Smartphones and high technology industries

On 5 October 2017, local giant Walton inaugurated the country's first-ever smartphone and tablet manufacturing plant named "Walton Digi-Tech Industries". "Made in Bangladesh" labeled smartphones made by Walton arrived at market in January 2018.

On 18 January 2018, Walton launched the country's first computer and laptop manufacturing plant.

In April 2018, Samsung announced the assembling of smartphones in Bangladesh in their new factory in collaboration with Fair Electronics, and the factory commenced production of smartphones in May 2018. Bangladeshi assembled Galaxy Note 10 | 10+ | 10 Lite reached at market in January 2020. They will start full-fledged manufacturing of Samsung smartphones in the quadrant of 2020.

In October 2018, Transsion Bangladesh Limited, a Bangladeshi subsidiary of Transsion Holdings, started producing smartphones in their new manufacturing factory in Bangladesh. Transsion started producing smartphones by assembling components and gradually shifted to full-fledged manufacturing of the phones labeled "Made in Bangladesh".

The country's 5th mobile factory was launched in October by “5 Star Mobile” brand. A few more companies are also setting up their smartphone factories in Bangladesh, which will be produced in the first quadrant of 2019. International brands like Huawei and Lava have shown their interest to set up smartphone manufacturing plants in Bangladesh within the next couple of years.

In July 2019, Vivo inaugurated their new manufacturing plant in Rupganj Upazila, Narayanganj.

In November 2019, Chinese smartphone brand Oppo launched a new manufacturing plant in Gazipur in partnership with local company Benli Electronic Enterprise Co Limited.

In February 2020, Realme inaugurated their new smartphone manufacturing plant in Gazipur.

In September 2021, Nokia started production of smartphones in their new manufacturing plant in collaboration with Vibrant Software Bangladesh Ltd in Bangabandhu Hi-Tech City, Gazipur.

In October 2021, Xiaomi opened their first Bangladeshi manufacturing plant in Gazipur, partnering with DBG Technology BD Ltd, an electronics manufacturing service provider headquartered at Huizhou, Guangdong in China.

Market size
As of November 2020, the industry was estimated to be worth ৳26700 crore (US$2.5 billion), with a yearly growth rate of 11%.

 

[Saif]

The following is the list of major players of electronics industry in Bangladesh.

1. Walton---https://waltonbd.com/
2. Jamuna Electronics----https://www.estorejamuna.com/
3. Singer Bangladesh Limited---https://singerbd.com/
4. Electro Mart Limited----https://electromart.com.bd/
5. Minister High Tech Park----https://ministerbd.com/
6. Proton-Pran RFL----https://rfleshop.com/proton-mobile-bangladesh/
7. 5 Star Mobile----https://5starmobiles.com.bd/
8. Mercel---https://marcelbd.com/

 

[Saif]

Walton digital campaign season-20 kicks off with ‘Nonstop Millionaire’ offer

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

Walton digital campaign season-20 kicks off with ‘Nonstop Millionaire’ offer​

1 Mar 2024, 12:00 am0
Business Report :

With the slogan of ‘Best product, Best offer’, the country’s electronics giant Walton has launched ‘Digital Campaign Season-20’ across the country with the offer of a ‘Nonstop Millionaire’ benefit.

In the earlier seasons of Walton’s digital campaign, a total of 30 customers became millionaires after they had purchased Walton products. In the newly launched ‘Digital Campaign Season-20’, customers of Walton products will again get the opportunity to become millionaires, reads a press release.

In Season 20, customers are offered ‘nonstop millionaire’ on the purchase of Walton brand fridge, television, air conditioner, washing machine or fan from any Walton Plaza, distributor outlet or online sales platform ‘E-plaza’ across the country. In addition, crores of taka sure cashback are also available.

Customers will enjoy the benefits of Season-20 from March 1 to the date of Eid-ul-Azha this year.

These customers’ benefits were disclosed at the inaugural ceremony of ‘Walton Digital Campaign Season-20’ held at a five-star hotel in the capital on Thursday (February 29, 2024).

At the function, renowned film actress Pori Moni inaugurated the ‘Walton Digital Campaign Season-20.’ Walton Hi-tech Industries PLC’s Additional Managing Director (AMD) Nazrul Islam Sarker unveiled the logo of Season 20.

The inaugural ceremony was also attended, among others, by Walton Hi-Tech’s AMD Major General (Retd.) Ibne Fazal Shayekhuzzaman, deputy managing director Humayun Kabir, Senior Executive Directors Tanvir Rahman, Ariful Ambia, Didarul Alam Khan (chief marketing officer), Firoj Alam, Amin Khan, Shahjalal Hossain Limon, Tofail Ahmed, Sohel Rana and Mostafa Kamal.

Actress Pori Moni said, “Walton products are now at every home of the country. Walton fridge and some other products are also available in my house. Beyond the country’s boundaries, Walton is exporting ‘Made in Bangladesh’ labelled electronics products to over 40 countries. We feel proud that Walton has now been turned into a global electronics brand. I am delighted to be appointed as the brand ambassador of this great campaign.”

Thanking Walton for ensuring best service and launching the ‘nonstop millionaire’ benefits again for the customers, Pori Moni said, “In the previous seasons of Walton digital campaign, total of 30 customers became millionaire after they had purchased Walton products. Some of those millionaires are present today. Walton has changed their lives. It’s unbelievable. I have never seen any other company, except Walton, to provide such type of benefits to the customers. Walton proved that they do what are promised to customers.”

According to Walton officials, buyers will do digital registration of their products after they had purchased. After that, customers will get a return SMS from Walton with the notification of the award.

During the campaign, detailed information like buyer’s name, mobile number and product model number is being stored on Walton’s server through digital registration system. As a result, customers can get quick service from any Walton service center in the country even if they lost the warranty card. Besides the representatives of the service center can also know the customers’ feedback.​

 

[Saif]

Walton releases country’s first 6-star energy rating AC

Breaking News, International News & Multimedia

thedailynewnation.com

Walton releases country’s first 6-star energy rating AC​

17 Mar 2024, 12:00 am0

Bangladeshi electronics brand ‘Walton’ has released BSTI’s 6-star energy rating certified split type air conditioner in the domestic market. In Bangladesh, only Walton brand ACs has achieved the BSTI’s 6-Star and 5.5 Star energy rating certificates, reads a press release.

Walton 6-Star energy rating AC is the most energy efficient AC in the South Asian countries.

Only Walton AC has 5-inch TFT color display that shows various important information including running data, performance, timing, indoor and outdoor temperature of AC. Walton AC can be controlled from anywhere through IoT smart control system using smart apps solution function and electricity bills are also calculated easily using the apps. Beside any defects of AC can be diagnosed through smart diagnosis system.

In this summer, customers are offered ‘nonstop millionaire’ on the purchase of Walton AC from any Walton Plaza, distributor outlet or online sales platform ‘E-plaza’ across the country under the Walton’s digital campaign Season-20. In addition, crores of taka sure cashback are also available. Customers will enjoy the benefits of season-20 from March 1 to till further announcement.

Under the Walton’s AC exchange offer, customers can purchase Walton’s brand new model of split ACs with maximum Tk 23,000 discounts in exchange of their old or used ACs of any brands.

Walton AC’s Chief Business Officer (CBO) Tanvir Rahman said, “Walton is manufacturing and marketing high standard ACs with world’s largest numbers of features. In continuation of this service, Walton has released the country’s first BSTI 6-star energy rating and South Asia’s most energy efficient AC for customers in the market. The price of this new model of AC is set at Tk 65,000.”

He added that customers can check the energy efficiency of Walton AC by contacting Walton’s nearest sales point, service center or call center at 16267. Globally recognized eco-friendly R-32 refrigerant has been used in the compressor of Walton 6-star energy rating AC.​

 

[Saif]

Singer becomes first firm to start production in Japanese EZ

It becomes the first plant in Araihazar economic zone

www.thedailystar.net

Singer becomes first firm to start production in Japanese EZ​

Singer Bangladesh, one of the leading manufacturers and retailers of home appliances in the country, has begun manufacturing products at its new factory, becoming the first entity to do so inside Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) at Araihazar in Narayanganj.

Established with an investment of $78 million from Turkish multinational Arcelik, which holds the controlling stock, the new facility is aimed at reducing import dependence and locally manufacture over 90 percent of components.​

​

"The company started to manufacture refrigerators at its plant at the BSEZ, which is popularly known as the Japanese special economic zone, last week," said Farhan Azhar, head of production at Singer Bangladesh.

Singer Bangladesh posted an announcement in this regard on the Dhaka Stock Exchange website yesterday.

"We will manufacture air conditioners, televisions, and other home appliances in phases by the third quarter of this year," said Azhar, adding that the new factory would directly employ around 5,000 people.

"The new plant can manufacture up to 10 lakh refrigerators per year but we will manufacture four lakh units initially," he added.

"We currently have a manufacturing unit in Savar, which will be shut down after the new plant becomes fully operational," he said.

He added that the plant in Savar was not equipped with up-to-date machinery but the new plant, set up on 35 acres, had world-class machinery to ensure products of a global standard.

"Consumer lifestyles are changing in line with the country's economic growth," said MHM Fairoz, managing director and chief executive officer of Singer Bangladesh.

"Keeping consumer centricity at the core of our operations, Singer Bangladesh is transforming its operations to bring the most contemporary and global standard products to customers in Bangladesh," he said.

"…we aim to become the leading consumer durables company in Bangladesh in the near future," he added.

Saleh Ahmed, project director of the BSEZ, said they had already allocated 220 acres of the 500-acre BSEZ among 17 companies.

Locals alongside those from Japan and the UK, including car manufacturers, have expressed interest to invest here and the authorities hope to attract $1 billion in foreign direct investment within the next five years, he added.

All utility services, including power, water and gas, are available at the BSEZ, he said.

Singer is one of the largest retailers of consumer durables in Bangladesh offering Singer, Beko and other brands, with 463 retail stores across the country along with more than 1,000 dealer shops.

Arcelik owns 57 percent of Singer Bangladesh while the remaining shares are publicly traded.

The company's stock was trading for Tk 145.60 at the close of the market yesterday, shedding its value by Tk 1.40 compared to the previous day.

The company's paid-up capital is Tk 98 crore and market capitalisation reached Tk 1,465 crore since being listed with Dhaka Stock Exchange in 1983.

Its net profit was Tk 52 crore in 2023.​

 

[Saif]

Baked by heat, Bangladesh expands AC manufacture

Manufacturers and retailers estimate that 530,000 units were sold in 2023, increasing sharply from 330,000 units in 2022.

www.thedailystar.net

Baked by heat, Bangladesh expands AC manufacture
Bangladesh's Expansion of Air Conditioning Manufacturing



Companies have turned to local manufacturing and assembly of air conditioners (ACs) to cater to the rising demand for the home appliance as consumers are increasingly seeking respite from the soaring temperatures brought on by the impacts of climate change.

This has led the prices of ACs to decrease significantly, bringing it within the budget of more consumers and fuelling the growth of the market in a nation where per capita income has nearly quadrupled in the last 12 years.

Sales have grown exponentially, according to industry insiders, who also claimed that local manufacturers and assemblers now cater to more than 85 percent of demand.

There is no accurate market data on AC sales. Manufacturers and retailers estimate that 530,000 units were sold in 2023, increasing sharply from 330,000 units in 2022.

They attributed the increase to the impacts of global warming, substantial price reduction, and energy-efficient technology.

The year 2023 was confirmed as the warmest on record, driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather event.

The trend has continued in 2024, with last month being the hottest March on record. Bangladesh also witnessed higher-than-usual temperatures in 2023.

According to industry people, ACs have become more affordable as most parts are now made locally.

With the exception of the main circuit and compressor, other components like plastic frames and copper cables are produced in Bangladesh. Parts such as internal wires are also sourced from local cable manufacturers.

However, raw materials and intermediate products need to be imported.

Around 20 local and multinational companies manufacture and assemble ACs in Bangladesh.

"ACs were considered a luxury item in Bangladesh before 2015. After that, the middle-income groups started buying the appliance whereas it could be seen in the high-income households alone in the past," said Syed Sabbir Zaman, head of product at Singer Bangladesh.

Before 2015, ACs were mainly imported while local assembly was only done on a limited scale, he noted.

Rifat Jahan, who lives in the capital's Mirpur, says her family bought an AC this time last year as temperatures seemed unbearable although their purchasing power has seen erosion owing to persisting higher inflation.

Her relatives in the small town in Jamalpur district have also purchased ACs, said the homemaker.

Zaman said multinational companies have started importing components and assembling ACs locally, buoyed by a significant reduction in import duty and tax holiday aimed at encouraging domestic production. Consequently, the market grew rapidly.

After 2020, local companies such as Walton, Minister, Jamuna, and Vision invested heavily in assembling and manufacturing ACs.

Zaman said the government has provided tax benefits to local AC manufacturers so local companies have entered the market on a larger scale.

In 2004, Electro Mart Limited, which produces ACs under a joint venture with Chinese home appliance manufacturer Gree, became the first company in Bangladesh to start assembling ACs although it was doing so on a limited scale after importing the necessary components.

At that time, the demand for ACs was 30,000 units at best, said Md Nurul Afser, deputy managing director of Electro Mart.

"Due to the growth of the market, we have evolved from an assembler to a manufacturer."

Electro Mart set up a full-fledged manufacturing plant in 2020 to make more environment-friendly and energy-efficient ACs. At present, it manufactures 80 models for both residential and commercial customers.

Its annual manufacturing capacity stands at 300,000 units per year.

Moztaba Nadim, brand manager of Elite AC, which makes and sells products of Midea, also a Chinese company, said the expanding middle-class population and fast urbanisation resulted in increased demand for ACs.

"The growing market demand has incentivised manufacturers to invest in production capabilities and innovation."

Nadim said the AC manufacturing sector has undergone significant improvements in terms of technology, quality, and efficiency, making it more competitive both domestically and internationally.

Walton, one of the largest AC manufacturers in Bangladesh, has a yearly production capacity of 200,000 units.

Salim Ullah Salim, director for marketing of Jamuna Electronics and Automobiles Ltd, said companies are increasingly investing in research and development to innovate and develop new technologies.

"Such initiatives have led to the production of ACs that consume less energy and have a reduced carbon footprint."

He credited the government for the flourishing of the sector by the way of offering incentives and subsidies and framing policies that promote industrial growth and competitiveness.

"Local manufacturers are adhering to international standards as they want to compete on the global market and ensure product reliability. This will boost consumer confidence."​

 

[Saif]

Walton made Tk 762 crore profit in nine months

Over half of the profit came in last three months

www.thedailystar.net

Walton made Tk 762 crore profit in nine months
Over half of the profit came in last three months



Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC's profit rose 205 percent year-on-year to Tk 762 crore in the nine months to March this year and more than half of it came in the last three months, January to March.

In the last three months to March, the company made a profit of Tk 422 crore, posting a 79 percent rise year-on-year.

The electronics manufacturer said its finance costs in the July-March of 2024 were significantly lower than the previous year thanks to a fall in the impact of the US dollar appreciation.

In the last nine months, the company's foreign currency losses were Tk 41.60 crore, much lower from the same period previous year's Tk 392.73 crore.

In the period, Walton witnessed substantial growth in major financial indicators, including operating profit margin, earnings per share (EPS) and net asset value per share (NAVPS).

According to the report approved by Walton's board, the company's EPS for the period ended on March 31 this year stood at Tk 25.17, Tk 8.25 of the same period previous year.

Meanwhile, its NAVPS stood at Tk 258.22 without revaluation and Tk 359.68 with revaluation and net operating cash flows per share Tk 22.88.

The company mentioned that in the period from July 2023 to March 2024, the percentage of finance costs reduced significantly.

The finance cost percentage on sales stood at 6.14 percent in the period, which was 14.79 percent in the same period previous year.

The company's total finance costs were recorded at Tk 263.07 crore in Jul-Mar of 2024, which was Tk 604.79 crore in the same period of the previous year.

However, the management of Walton anticipates the company's profits would be healthier in the April to June quarter of 2024.​

 

[Bilal9]

Walton launches new interactive 4K displays

The new models come with 4K UHD LCD and LED IPS displays with 3840x2160 screen resolution.

The new models come with 4K UHD LCD and LED IPS displays with 3840x2160 screen resolution.

Local tech manufacturer Walton has recently launched new models of large-screen, interactive displays with 4K resolution. Released under the CiNEd brand name, these multi-purpose displays can be used in offices, hospitals, classrooms and multimedia entertainment for large-scale public streaming, especially for the ongoing World Cup event.

The launching program was recently held at the headquarter of Walton Digi-Tech Industries at Chandra, Gazipur. Kabir Bin Anwar, Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Water Resources, was present as the chief guest. S M Rezaul Alam, Chairman of Walton Digi-Tech Industries Limited, attended the event as the special guest. Other executives and personnel from Walton were also present.

The new Walton displays will be available in five different models, ranging from 65 to 98 inches in size. They will come with 4K UHD LCD and LED IPS displays with 3840x2160 screen resolution, 16:0 aspect ratio and 178-degree wide viewing angle.

These interactive displays will also feature MT9950 chipset, 1.8 GHz Cortex A73 quad-core processor, MaliG52 MP2 graphics, 4GB DDR4 RAM and 32GB eMMC Flash ROM.

These new display models will run on the Android 9.0 operating system with Windows available through optional OPS PC modules. They will also have a 13MP built-in camera, 16-point multi-touch and two 15W speakers for each model. They will support mounting options, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LAN, mirroring, HDMI, VGA and several USB Type A and C ports.

According to Walton, the prices of these displays will range from Tk. 2,85,750 to Tk. 6,95,780. Customers can avail of up to one-year warranty upon purchase.

 

[Saif]

Walton launches solar solution for 30 solar products

The products belong to five categories

www.thedailystar.net

Walton launches solar solution for 30 solar products
The products belong to five categories



Electronic appliance maker Walton today introduced 'Walton solar solution' to extend services to its customers for 30 solar power-run electrical products of five categories.

The categories are: solar panels (85 watts to 200 watts), lighting (DC bulb, DC tubes, motion wall lights), solar charge controllers (10 to 20 amps), solar table fan and DC cables.

Walton shared the information through a filing on the website of the Dhaka Stock Exchange.

Walton has the capacity to produce Tk 80 crore to Tk 100 crore worth of solar products in 2023-24, which will be enough to meet 10-15 percent of Bangladesh's demand, according to Sohel Rana, chief business officer of Walton Electrical Appliance.

He said Walton's solar products are being delivered to the doorsteps of the consumers through distributors, dealers and retailers across the country.

Walton offers 20 years replacement warranty for its solar power-run panels along with ensuring high quality of the products, he said.

Now, there is demand for 0.55 giga watts of solar power, which would increase to 2.84 giga watts by 2029, Rana said.​

 

[Saif]

Russia keen to invest in electronic device manufacturing sectors of Bangladesh

In a significant development aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, Russia has expressed a keen interest in forming joint partnerships and investing in the electronic and digital device manufacturing sectors in Bangladesh. The proposal was discussed on Thursday during a meeting between the Russ

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Russia keen to invest in electronic device manufacturing sectors of Bangladesh
FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
May 02, 2024 19:49
Updated :
May 02, 2024 19:49




In a significant development aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, Russia has expressed a keen interest in forming joint partnerships and investing in the electronic and digital device manufacturing sectors in Bangladesh.

The proposal was discussed on Thursday during a meeting between the Russian Ambassador to Bangladesh, Aleksandr Mantytsky, and the Bangladeshi Minister of State for Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology, Junaid Ahmed Palak.

The meeting, which took place at the ICT Tower in city, also saw the presence of key figures, including Dr. Shahjahan Mahmood, Chairman of Bangladesh Communication Satellite Company Limited; GSM Jafarullah, Managing Director of the Hi-Tech Park Authority; and Mr Oleg Cousin, Third Secretary of the Russian Embassy.

Ambassador Mantitsky extended his congratulations to Minister Palak, acknowledging the significant strides made by Bangladesh in the ICT sector.

He conveyed Russia's desire to become a partner in the ongoing development of this vibrant sector in Bangladesh.

Echoing this sentiment, Minister Palak highlighted the potential for expanding partnerships in electronics and digital device production, alongside broader investment opportunities in both the public and private sectors.

He drew attention to the substantial investments already made by South Korean and Chinese companies within the specialised zones of the Hi-Tech Park, illustrating the potential for further foreign engagement.

Mr Palak emphasised Bangladesh's openness to investments, technological exchange, and innovative collaboration in fostering a smart Bangladesh.

He expressed optimism about the mutual benefits such cooperation would bring, emphasising that "cooperation has no boundaries."​

 

[Saif]

Walton to make mobile phone circuit boards

The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has recently decided to give approval to Walton Digi-Tech Industries to locally manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs) specifically for handsets.

www.thedailystar.net

Walton to make mobile phone circuit boards



The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has recently decided to give approval to Walton Digi-Tech Industries to locally manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs) specifically for handsets.

This will enable the local electronics manufacturing giant to become the first Bangladeshi company to make the product at home.

A PCB is made of insulating material on which various electronic components such as processors and sensors are placed to be connected and controlled using conductive pathways etched on its surface.

It supports compact, layered designs to fit within the profiles of slim devices and is crucial for reliability, durability, and performance, impacting overall device functionality and user experience.

Walton already manufactures PCBs for computers, mobile phone chargers and batteries. This will be its first facility manufacturing multilayer PCBs for mobile phones.

The company will get preliminary approval to import raw materials and make the PCBs for six months and if the quality checks out during this time, it will get final approval.

Such approval would open a path to enhance value addition in the manufacture of mobile phones in Bangladesh, which is mainly dependent on imports for the majority of components.

The value added by PCBs may represent around 5 percent to 7 percent of the total manufacturing cost of a mobile phone, depending on the device's specifications and features, according to industry people.

It is a good step for increasing value addition in the local mobile manufacturing industry, said Brig Gen Mohammad Moniruzzaman Jewel, director general of the BTRC's Spectrum Division.

Walton manufactures numerous electronics and digital devices that require PCBs. If other companies source PCBs from Walton, it will save a significant amount of foreign currency for the country, he added.

Earlier, at the end of February, a delegation comprising BTRC officials, led by the Spectrum Division commissioner, visited Walton's manufacturing facility and prepared a report.

According to the report, they found adequate equipment, space, testing devices and manpower for the manufacture of the PCBs for mobile phones.

Manufacturing PCBs would enable Walton to qualify for VAT rebates.

To qualify, a manufacturer must not only establish a facility adequately equipped to produce the PCBs, chargers, batteries, housings and casings but also produce at least 50 percent of their components.

Walton Digi-Tech Industries started its journey in 2018 through the manufacture of desktop computers, laptops, mobile phones, networking devices, monitors, projectors, motherboards, data storage devices, peripherals, wearables, workstations and tablet PCs.​

 

[Bilal9]

Local production of mobile phones goes up


A file photo shows a man looking at mobile phones while a trader making a phone call at a shop at a shopping mall in Dhaka recently. — New Age photo

Mobile phone manufacturing in Bangladesh witnessed an increase in February, marking a rise of 2.55 lakh units, compared with that in the previous month, according to data of the Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.

In February, the total production of mobile phones in the country reached 21.47 lakh units.

Earlier in November 2023, the total number of local mobile phone production saw an increase, reaching 24.32 lakh units compared with that of 23.52 lakh units in October 2023.

Compared to November, the local production of mobile phones witnessed consecutive fall in December 2023 and January 2024, with the number of production standing at 21.10 lakh units and 18.92 lakh units respectively.

Of the 21.47 lakh units manufactured in February, 12.22 lakh featured 2G technology, while 9.22 lakh were equipped with 4G technology and 2,660 were 5G technology-enabled.

The production of 5G technology-enabled mobile phones saw a marginal decline in February, compared with that of 2,680 such units produced in January.

The second generation phones, also known as feature phones, accounted for 56.93 per cent of the total units manufactured in February, while smartphones constituted 43.07 per cent.

However, the number of locally made smartphones saw a significant increase, to 43.07 per cent of the total mobile phone production in February, compared with that of 18.80 per cent in January.

Of the 18.92 lakh units manufactured in January, 15.37 lakh featured 2G technology, while 3.53 lakh were equipped with 4G technology and 2,687 were 5G technology-enabled.

In January, feature phones held 81.20 per cent of the total production, while smartphones constituted 18.80 per cent
According to the BTRC data, there has been no production of 3G mobile phones in the country since January 2023.

The import of mobile phones also witnessed a decline in February, by 2,210 units, after a decrease of 4,959 units in the previous month.

The number of imported mobile phones was 2,840 units in February while 5,050 mobile phones were imported in the previous month.

Out of the 2,840 units imported in February, all were 5G technology-enabled. No feature phones were imported in the month.

 

[Saif]

https://thedailynewnation.com/electronics-home-appliances-marketing-fest-held/

Electronics & home appliances marketing fest held
13 May 2024, 12:00 am



Business Report :

The inaugural Bangladesh Electronics & Home Appliances Marketing Fest, held under the theme "Electrify Strategy, Amplify Impact," has made a profound impact on the country's marketing landscape.
This event was a collaborative endeavor of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, brands, and marketing experts, marking a pivotal moment for Bangladesh's electronics sector.

Leading as title sponsors were GREE & KONKA from Electromart, where Jamuna Electronics & Kiam serving as powered by partners. Their steadfast support underscored the event's significance, emphasizing the vital role of the electronics and home appliances sector in Bangladesh's economic growth.

The Bangladesh Electronics &Home Appliances Marketing Fest is dedicated to exploring contemporary marketing strategies, emerging trends, and innovations within the industry. It serves as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and networking among industry stakeholders.

Attendees were immersed in dynamic discussions, delving into contemporary marketing strategies, emerging trends, and challenges shaping the industry. The fest facilitated insightful dialogue on the competitive landscape between domestic and foreign brands, as well as the introduction of innovative products into the market.

Nurul Afsar, Deputy Managing Director of Electro Mart, expressed enthusiasm, stating, "As the Title Sponsor, we are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking fest. It serves as a catalyst for marketing innovation and collaboration, crucial for propelling growth in Bangladesh's electronics sector."

With participation from 26 speakers representing various domains including brand, marketing, sales, supply chain, and 6 entrepreneurs, the fest was enriched with diverse perspectives on better marketing practices and profitability in the sector.

Spearheaded by Brand Practitioners Bangladesh, the fest aimed to foster innovation and collaboration within the industry. Mirza Md. Ileush, Founder & CEO of Brand Practitioners Bangladesh, emphasized, "Our mission is to promote growth and co-creation among business and marketing professionals. This fest brings together all stakeholders to shape the future of marketing practices and enhance customer satisfaction."

The event boasted a plethora of activities, including insights and panel sessions, enabling attendees to engage in meaningful discussions and exchange ideas. Additionally, the fest witnessed the launch of the fifth edition of the "Business Brillianz" Magazine, further enriching industry insights and best practices.​

 

[Saif]

Local manufactures also getting costlier with VAT hike

Local manufactures like refrigerator, AC, mobile set and LPG cylinder also may get costlier for tax hike as financial reform necessitates lowering tariff protections to domestic industries. Sources say the local manufacturers of electrical and electronic products may see a tax hike in the up

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Local manufactures also getting costlier with VAT hike
DOULOT AKTER MALA
Published :
May 17, 2024 00:21
Updated :
May 17, 2024 00:21



Local manufactures like refrigerator, AC, mobile set and LPG cylinder also may get costlier for tax hike as financial reform necessitates lowering tariff protections to domestic industries.

Sources say the local manufacturers of electrical and electronic products may see a tax hike in the upcoming fiscal year under government plan to trim down protective tariffs.

The VAT wing of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) is likely to increase the taxes on manufacturing of air conditioners, refrigerators, and mobile-phone sets in the 2024-25 budget, coming next month.

Also, the value-added tax or VAT on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder manufacturers may see a hike.

Revenue officials said VAT would be increased as a part of exercise to phase out the tax exemptions from the well-established sectors to prepare for Bangladesh's graduation to a middle-income country in 2026 so they can play in competitive business regime.

"A number of sectors may see a 15-percent standard VAT rate in the upcoming fiscal year as the NBR moves to come out from the multiple rates of VAT," said the NBR official.

"Multiple rates of VAT affect the small and medium enterprises as their actual tax incidences go above 15 per cent for not having input credits," he added.

The revenue board started the process of phasing out protective tariffs during the last three years.

Currently, there is no VAT on manufacturing stage of AC while refrigerator manufacturers are subject to paying 5.0 per cent.

As per fiscal measures of the current financial year, mobile-phone manufacturers/assemblers are subject to paying 2.0-percent VAT instead of zero-rated tax, 5.0 per cent instead of 3.0 per cent, and 7.5 per cent instead of 5 per cent respectively at the local stage until June 30, 2024.

Manufacturers of LPG cylinder are paying VAT at a cut-down rate of 7.5 per cent.

Official sources have said the reduced rate of VAT would be increased to 15 per cent gradually to make the standard rate of VAT effective.

Surgical items may also see a tax hike at local stages in the upcoming FY, they said.

The government's revenue authority is acting under cajoling for raising revenue collection through fiscal reforms to enhance the country's tax-GDP ratio in order to make for budget shortfall.

Contacted, the spokesperson for country's one of the largest manufacturers of refrigerator, AC and mobile set, Walton, declined to make preemptive comment before it comes in the budget proposal.

In the FY24 budget, the government has extended the VAT-exemption facility for production of a slew of electronic equipment until June 30, 2026.

The waiver list includes computers, laptops, desktops, notebooks, notepads, tablets, servers, keyboards, mouse, RAM, PCBA or motherboards, mobile-phone chargers and batteries, power banks, routers, network switches, modems, network devices or hubs, speakers, sound systems, and earphones, until June 30, 2026.​