Diversifying the Export Basket of Bangladesh: Exploring the Readiness of the Bicycle Industry
Ekramul HudaDepartment of International Business, Faculty of Business Studies, University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Email: ekram.ib@du.ac.bd
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Purpose: This study explores the readiness of the Bangladeshi Bicycle as a
potential export item of the country’s export diversifying strategy.
Methodology: This study uses mixed methods. It first analyzes comparative
advantage using a quantitative approach and then identifies challenges and areas
for improvement using a qualitative approach. The quantitative data spans from
2012 to 2023, while qualitative data comes from semi-structured interviews with
participants from three major bicycle-exporting firms in the country.
Findings: Bangladesh has a comparative advantage in bicycle exports from 2012
to 2023, with steady growth and a spike in 2021. Key challenges for exporting
bicycles include limited capital, lack of expertise, minimal government support,
and political instability. Advanced technology, improved quality, and enhanced
training and connectivity are needed to overcome these challenges.
Practical Implications: This study will help build the country's export
diversification strategies through bicycles and contribute to its trade policy
reforms. The findings will also help policymakers, bicycle producers, and
exporters initiate strategies that further develop the country's export readiness.
Originality/Value: Exploring the Bangladeshi bicycle industry's export readiness
and competitiveness, comparative advantage, challenges, and way out in exporting
bicycles from Bangladesh presents the originality and value addition of this study.
Limitations: The analysis uses only the RCA index to assess the comparative
advantage in bicycle readiness. While it shows whether a country has an advantage
or disadvantage in certain products, it does not reveal the underlying reasons for
these conditions.
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