Bangladesh RMG makers seek ministry support for market diversification

The BGMEA delegation included senior vice-president Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, vice-presidents Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Abdullah Hil Rakib, Miran Ali, and directors Md Imranur Rahman, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Shams Mahmud, Rajiv Chowdhury, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Shehrin Salam Oishee, Md Nurul Islam, and Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar.

During the meeting, the BGMEA representatives discussed strategies for product diversification and expanding garment exports to new markets.

The BGMEA president emphasised the importance of these efforts to achieve the goal of $100 billion in garment exports by 2030. He highlighted that with government policy support, garment exports to new markets have grown from $847 million to $8,370 million over the past 15 years.

The BGMEA also sought the cooperation of Bangladesh’s embassies in organising roadshows, networking with buyers, and participating in key fairs to boost exports, particularly to Brazil, Argentina, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, and ASEAN countries.

Additionally, the BGMEA president sought the Foreign Ministry’s support in mitigating the potential impact of Bangladesh’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status on export trade and maintaining duty-free facilities in major export markets.

Foreign minister Hasan Mahmud, on his part, underscored the necessity of diversifying products and exploring new markets, especially in Africa, South America, and ASEAN countries while assuring the garment makers of Foreign Ministry’s full cooperation, mentioning the ongoing discussions with various countries to remove tariff barriers in these potential markets.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DR)