A joint venture public limited company in the private sector, China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Ltd. (CBC), was established in June 2001 with a view to reducing import of quality wall & floor and homogeneous tiles in Bangladesh and thus saving huge foreign currency of the country.

CBC started manufacturing products of international standards for commercial purpose in August 2002 in its factory at Tarabo in Narayanganj, Bangladesh.

Company Strength

CBC Tiles are already popular with consumers in Bangladesh. "They have been accepted warmly because of their unique design and superb quality," says Md. Shirajul Islam Mollah, Managing Director, China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Limited. "The response of the local market inspired us for the export of CBC tiles and within a very short time we are going to start exporting CBC tiles to India."

CBC's production lines are equipped with the world's most modern machines imported from Italy, claims Shiraj. "Under the dynamic leadership of its Chinese promoters and experts we are producing successfully a wide range of Wall and Floor, Homogeneous, Decor and Border tiles with innovative designs in different sizes." CBC products are known for their affordable and competitive price, adds the CBC MD.

"I believe that this success of China-Bangla Ceramic Industries Ltd. is the result of the pragmatic and liberal investment and industrial policy of our Government. I take this opportunity of expressing my sincere thanks to all of our customers, well-wishers, Bangladesh Government agencies, Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Bangladesh, Bank & Financial institutions and employees and dealers of CBC for their sincere support and co-operation to CBC"

Products and Expertise

Ceramic wall tiles & homogeneous floor tiles are more popular in Bangladesh, while ceramic decorative wall tiles and mirror polish floor tiles are more popular internationally.

"Each and every human being desires that his house, workplace etc. will be pleasant and beautiful. Now-a-days wall, floor & homogeneous tiles are mainly used for this purpose," observes Shiraj. "And in the ceramic sector it is now possible to produce wall & floor tiles of diversified colors and amazing and attractive pictures, with more durability and comfort."

CBC has selected equipment for its production line, considering that Bangladesh is in the tropical zone. "We have selected KILN with "DOUBLE FIRING" system and most modern glazing and printing lines." CBC is using 'laser cutting technology' to maintain size accuracy of homogeneous tiles.

Speciality

Ceramics accounts for the largest investment in Bangladesh by the Chinese Govt. "With the help of traditional Chinese expertise in ceramic manufacturing we commit ourselves to ensuring total customer satisfaction," says Shiraj.

"In wall & floor tiles manufacturing we try to use maximum percentage of local raw materials and thus save huge foreign currency usually required for those raw materials. Moreover, as our quality meets the international standard, our products, to some extent, help reducing the import of tiles."

Government's Role

In order for the ceramic industries in Bangladesh to remain competitive in the international market the government needs to play a more positive role. Shiraj suggests, "First of all Govt. export incentives should be increased, because some other countries are providing subsidy facilities for their ceramic industry. Secondly duty on raw material should be reduced. Then ceramic sectors should be treated as an export thrust sector, and based on that more arrangement of fairs and seminars should be held. Most importantly Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Bangladesh Mission abroad should take appropriate measures to boost tiles export. Finally bank facilities in connection with L/C should be made available.