|| Social Welfare Minister Professor Dr A Z M Zahid Hossain has praised Walton for producing high-technology electronic and electrical products in Bangladesh, saying the local manufacturer has demonstrated that the country can develop competitive technology-based industries while creating jobs and saving foreign currency.“Walton products have improved in quality and durability, while remaining affordable,” the minister said during a visit to Walton headquarters at Chandra in Gazipur on Tuesday evening.He said the company is producing not only refrigerators and televisions but also high-configuration laptops, tablets and other technology products. Walton, he noted, manufactures a wide range of components—from spare parts to finished products—rather than simply assembling imported products.The minister said the growth of technology-driven industries such as Walton would be important for Bangladesh as the country moves towards the Fourth Industrial Revolution.“We have reached a certain level in agriculture and the ready-made garment sector. Now, to move forward on the path of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, we need to develop technology-based industries like Walton,” he said.Impressed by manufacturing facilitiesDuring his visit, the minister inspected Walton's production facilities, including manufacturing operations for advanced electronic and electrical products, the company's solar power facilities and its environmentally friendly production systems.He also received briefings on Bangladesh's progress and technological capabilities in the electrical, electronics and high-tech manufacturing sectors, as well as Walton's export activities.The minister was welcomed at the headquarters with flowers by Walton Hi-Tech Industries PLC directors S M Rezaul Alam and S M Manzurul Alam Abhi.At the beginning of the visit, he watched a video documentary on Walton's manufacturing processes before touring a display centre featuring the company's technology products.He later visited production facilities where advanced Surface Mount Technology (SMT) machines are used to manufacture printed circuit boards (PCBs) and motherboards. He also inspected other stages of the manufacturing process.The minister subsequently visited Walton's floating solar power plant at its headquarters, described by the company as the country's largest floating solar power facility.'My impression has completely changed'Speaking after the tour, Zahid Hossain said he had previously held a different view of Walton's manufacturing operations.“I had a mixed perception about Walton. Until now, I thought Walton might be doing assembling or re-assembling. But after visiting the factory today, that perception has completely changed. I am impressed,” he said.He also praised Walton's use of renewable energy and environmentally friendly production practices.“Walton is using renewable energy. This is a very good initiative,” the minister said.Focus on local industry and jobsThe minister stressed that expanding domestic manufacturing would have benefits beyond the technology sector.He said stronger local industries could create more employment and reduce Bangladesh's dependence on imported products. By manufacturing technology products locally, companies such as Walton can also help save valuable foreign exchange, he added.Referring to government support for domestic industries, the minister said the government is “industry-friendly” and has provided tax and policy support for local industrialisation in the 2026-27 fiscal year's budget.“Our all-out cooperation for the development of domestic industries will continue,” he said.The visit comes at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to strengthen its manufacturing base and move beyond traditional sectors. The minister's remarks underline the growing importance of local technological capacity, research and development, renewable energy and export-oriented manufacturing in shaping the country's next phase of industrial growth.