Bangladesh's Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) has enlisted eight top footwear manufacturers to offer a technical assistance programme run by the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) to promote the Bangladesh footwear industry in expanding its market in Japan.

Under the short-term assistance programme, JETRO has offered to provide Bangladesh with technical assistance for 10 footwear companies to enhance their competitiveness in terms of quality production.

The companies involved are Apex Footwear Limited, Jennies Shoes Limited, Pickard Bangladesh Limited, Tropical Shoe Industries Limited, Lalmai Footwear Limited, Latherex Footwear Industries Limited, Surma Leather and Footwear Industries Limited and Toras Hued and Skin Limited.

According to JETRO officials, Japan wants to promote the Bangladeshi footwear industry as the country is able produce competitively-priced, quality finished products.

JETRO also plans to organise a Bangladeshi footwear fair in Japan to promote Bangladeshi products in the Japanese market.