Right Resources, Wrong Sequence in Bangladesh's Leather Industry: Lessons from Vietnam and a Three-Track Strategy for a US$10 Billion Export Sector

This working paper examines the structural and strategic challenges facing Bangladesh’s leather industry, with particular attention to the sequencing of resource allocation, industrial development, export competitiveness, and value-chain upgrading. Drawing lessons from Vietnam’s leather and footwear industry, the paper proposes a three-track strategy for Bangladesh aimed at strengthening domestic capabilities, increasing value-added production, and expanding international market opportunities. The paper also discusses a potential pathway toward a US$10 billion export ambition through coordinated industrial policy, investment, skills development, technology adoption, and market diversification.