He said it is not possible for an industry to survive on government support in the age of free economy.

Matiur Rahman Nizami was speaking at the orientation function of newly elected committee members of Bangladesh Paduka Prastutkarak Samity (BPPS), an association of footwear manufacturers, in Dhaka on Saturday.

As the footwear industry is a potential sector the minister assured the manufacturers of solving their problems.

Speaking at the function, Abdul Karim, secretary of BPSS, said local footwear manufacturers are failing to compete in the domestic market as foreign products are entering the country through illegal way.

Nasiruddin Ahmed Pintu MP, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry First Vice-president Kamaluddin Ahmed, Vice-president Abul Kashem Haider, Director A Rouf Chowdhury, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation Chairman Solaiman Khan, Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry Director Abdus Salam and BPPS President Shahidul Islam Babul also spoke at the function.