EuroCham Bangladesh (European Union Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh) is the leading platform representing European businesses operating in Bangladesh. The chamber works to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between Bangladesh and the European Union by promoting a transparent, competitive, and sustainable business environment. Through policy advocacy, dialogue with government and industry stakeholders, and support for European investors, EuroCham plays a vital role in enhancing Bangladesh’s investment climate and fostering long-term economic partnerships.
Leading the organization is Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of EuroCham Bangladesh and a distinguished business leader with more than three decades of experience in Bangladesh. A strong advocate for Bangladesh-EU economic relations, she has consistently championed policy reforms, foreign direct investment, sustainability, and improved market access for Bangladeshi exports. Under her leadership, EuroCham continues to promote closer collaboration between Bangladesh and Europe while supporting the country’s journey toward greater competitiveness and sustainable economic growth.
In this exclusive interview with Textile Focus, Nuria Lopez shares her insights on the current economic outlook, the future of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, the importance of an EU-Bangladesh Free Trade Agreement (FTA), EuroCham’s role in strengthening bilateral trade relations, and her vision for Bangladesh’s future as a globally competitive investment destination.
Textile Focus: How would you assess the current state of Bangladesh’s economy, particularly the ready-made garment (RMG) sector, amid the evolving global economic landscape?
Nuria Lopez: The current global situation is affecting not only Bangladesh but economies around the world. Geopolitical conflicts, energy uncertainty, and disruptions in global supply chains have created a highly unpredictable business environment. Bangladesh’s RMG sector is also feeling the impact, particularly due to energy-related challenges and weaker demand from international buyers who are themselves facing economic difficulties. In the short term, we may see fewer orders and continued uncertainty in logistics and power supply. However, the bigger challenge lies in the medium term, where Bangladesh must strengthen its competitiveness to sustain growth.
Textile Focus: The European Union remains Bangladesh’s largest export destination for apparel. However, export growth has slowed in recent years. How do you evaluate this trend, and what are the key factors behind it?
Nuria Lopez: This is a critical issue. We need to understand why exports are slowing down and identify the real cause. If exports are declining across all competing countries, then the problem is likely external, reflecting weaker global demand. In that case, the solution is to remain resilient until market conditions improve.
However, if we see orders shifting from Bangladesh to competing markets, then we should be seriously concerned. If countries such as Vietnam or India are increasing their exports while Bangladesh’s exports are declining, that is a clear warning sign that our competitiveness is being eroded.
One of my biggest concerns is that Bangladesh’s main competitors, particularly India and Vietnam, already benefit from Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with the European Union, while Bangladesh continues to rely on existing trade preferences. As the country prepares for LDC graduation, securing an FTA with the EU has become an urgent priority. Without a long-term trade agreement that provides certainty and predictability, international brands may gradually redirect their sourcing to countries offering more stable market access. That is why negotiations must begin immediately. Business investment and sourcing decisions are planned years in advance, not overnight.
Textile Focus: How is EuroCham Bangladesh supporting the country’s RMG sector in enhancing its competitiveness and boosting exports to the European market?
Nuria Lopez: EuroCham plays an important role in strengthening the relationship between Bangladesh and the European business community. As part of the European Business Organisation (EBO) network, which represents European businesses abroad, we have a strong voice to promote stronger EU-Bangladesh trade and investment relations. Through our annual meetings in Brussels with the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European External Action Service, and other EU institutions, we advocate for issues that are important to Bangladesh, including the launch of EU–Bangladesh FTA negotiations.
Our work goes beyond the RMG sector. We also support Bangladesh’s economic diversification and help businesses understand how the European market and regulatory framework are evolving. This includes promoting awareness of new EU legislation, sustainability and decarbonisation requirements, due diligence, and other standards that will increasingly shape access to the European market.
For the RMG sector, we encourage the move towards higher-value products, greater sustainability, stronger compliance, and increased local value addition to enhance global competitiveness. At the same time, we continue advocating for an EU–Bangladesh FTA to secure long-term market access and provide the certainty that investors and international buyers need after LDC graduation.
Textile Focus: Could you share the key objectives and major activities of EuroCham Bangladesh in promoting trade, investment, and business collaboration between Bangladesh and Europe?
Nuria Lopez: As mentioned earlier, our mission is to strengthen economic cooperation between Bangladesh and Europe. We promote policy dialogue, advocate for a more competitive and predictable business environment, and work to attract greater European investment into Bangladesh. Through our Working Groups, we work closely with government institutions and the private sector to identify and remove non-tariff barriers (NTBs), improve the ease of doing business, and strengthen Bangladesh’s attractiveness as an investment destination.
Through the European Business Organisation (EBO) network, we also promote Bangladesh’s interests and business opportunities in Europe. In addition, we support initiatives on sustainability, environmental compliance, the circular economy, and knowledge sharing to help Bangladeshi businesses meet evolving European market expectations and enhance their international competitiveness.
Textile Focus: Looking ahead, what is your vision for EuroCham Bangladesh, and what are your priorities for strengthening Bangladesh-EU economic relations in the coming years?
Nuria Lopez: My vision is to see Bangladesh and Europe build an even stronger economic partnership based on trade, investment, innovation, and sustainability. Bangladesh has tremendous potential, but it must diversify beyond the RMG sector by developing industries such as agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, and other high-value manufacturing sectors. We also need to attract greater foreign direct investment by creating a transparent, modern, and predictable business environment that gives investors long-term confidence.
A key priority will be supporting the launch of EU–Bangladesh FTA negotiations, as a long-term agreement will provide certainty for businesses and strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness after LDC graduation. Bangladesh has all the ingredients to become a regional manufacturing hub. What is needed now is a clear national vision, strategic reforms, and the confidence to demonstrate to global investors that Bangladesh is a competitive, reliable, and trusted destination for business.
