Inside the Lion Kallol Limited Partnership: Manufacturing, FDI, and Growth

The partnership between Japan’s Lion Corporation and Bangladesh’s Kallol Group has reached a pivotal milestone with the launch of their advanced manufacturing plant in the Bangladesh Special Economic Zone (BSEZ). This joint venture, Lion Kallol Limited, represents a strategic fusion of Japanese innovation and local market expertise.

Established with a 75% stake from Lion Corporation and 25% from Kallol Group, the collaboration combines over a century of Japanese R&D with one of Bangladesh’s most robust distribution networks. The newly inaugurated facility in Araihazar spans 3.3 hectares, utilizing cutting-edge automation to bring international production standards to the local market.

The venture serves as a major boost for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with an initial investment exceeding BDT 3,000 million. Beyond the financial injection, the project facilitates a critical technology transfer, creating high-skilled jobs and reducing the nation’s reliance on imported household goods. By producing locally, the group is strengthening the "Made in Bangladesh" brand while stabilizing supply chains.

Lion Kallol Limited is currently focusing on high-growth hygiene and personal care categories. Key offerings include:

Mama Lemon: High-efficiency dishwashing solutions.

Systema: Advanced oral care and toothbrush technology.

Kodomo & Shokubutsu: Trusted baby care and skin health brands.

This collaboration is more than a business expansion; it is a commitment to improving daily hygiene standards. With plans to broaden the portfolio into laundry detergents and healthcare products, Lion Kallol Limited is positioned to become a dominant force in the regional FMCG landscape, driven by the philosophy of healthy living and industrial excellence.

The tax credit for middle-income individuals is shrinking.

 

In the coming fiscal year, tax relocation due to investment is expected to decrease for the middle-income group of people of Bangladesh.

Currently, only a maximum of 25% can be invested.

For the coming fiscal year, the Finance Bill-2022 proposes a reduction in the amount of investment that is eligible for a tax credit to 20%. It also increased the income tax rate as well as the ranges of qualified investments.

Currently, an individual taxpayer with a yearly income of up to Tk 1.5 million is eligible for a 15% tax credit on a qualifying investment amount of up to 25% of total income.

For anyone with an income of up to Tk 1.5 million, the tax credit ratio would remain constant, whereas those higher earnings will advantage from the policy.

In the upcoming financial year, the tax refund rate for individuals with annual incomes over Tk 1.5 million would be increased from 10% to 15%.

Dhaka is seeking investment from Bangkok.

The MCCI chief said Dhaka and Bangkok should cooperate with each other both bilaterally and multilaterally. Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abdul Hafiz Choudhury said,Thai investments have excellent future as Bangladesh offers most attractive incentives for investing in energy sector.

"Bangladesh requires US$5 to $7.0 billion (500 to 700 crore) investments in generation and distribution of 7,000 megawatt of electricity by the end of 2011," he said to a Thai business delegation visiting Bangladesh.

Mr Hafiz said the Thai government will find attractive opportunities in the energy sector as the Bangladesh government has initiated large projects under public-private partnership (PPP).

Dhaka has established itself as the cheapest production base in South Asia and Bangkok can take the advantage of it, he said. "Thai investors can invest in labour intensive sectors including textiles, leather, paper and pulp, tourism, agro-based and agro-supporting industries," he added..