In response to the evolving global economic landscape and the multifaceted challenges facing international trade, a visionary initiative has been launched to accelerate the sustainable growth of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry and expand into new and promising export markets. The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the apex trade body representing the country’s apparel exporters, and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC), one of the world’s leading international banking institutions, have entered into a strategic partnership to further strengthen Bangladesh’s position in the global apparel market.
As part of this strategic collaboration, a large-scale apparel roadshow will be organized in Hong Kong, one of Asia’s leading business hubs. The roadshow will create a direct platform for Bangladesh’s apparel industry to engage with international buyers, global brands, and key business partners. It is expected to facilitate market diversification beyond traditional destinations by expanding Bangladesh’s presence across Asia while showcasing the country’s manufacturing capabilities, product diversity, and competitiveness. In parallel, the upcoming Bangladesh Textile Expo (BATEXPO) will further strengthen opportunities for market expansion by connecting domestic and international stakeholders.
To formalize this forward-looking global roadshow and market development initiative, BGMEA and HSBC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today (Sunday) at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. The MoU was signed on behalf of BGMEA by its President, Mahmud Hasan Khan, and on behalf of HSBC by Md. Mahbub ur Rahman, Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Bangladesh.
Among those present at the signing ceremony were BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haque Khan; Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Zowardar Mohammad Hosne Komar Alam, and A.B.M. Shamsuddin; chairpersons of various BGMEA standing committees; and senior officials from HSBC Bangladesh, including Md. Ashfaqur Rahman, Head of Global Supply Chain, Corporate and Institutional Banking.
Speaking at the ceremony, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said that HSBC’s extensive global banking network has enabled it to establish strong and trusted relationships with international apparel buyers, whose confidence in HSBC’s assessments carries significant weight. He stated that BGMEA intends to leverage these unique connections by inviting global buyers—particularly those who currently do not source significantly from Bangladesh—to participate in the Hong Kong Apparel Roadshow. This initiative is expected to broaden Bangladesh’s export reach and create new sourcing opportunities.
HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md. Mahbub ur Rahman highlighted the immense potential of Bangladesh’s apparel industry, describing it as the driving force behind the country’s economy. He noted that the sector still holds significant untapped opportunities for growth and that the banking industry has long been a committed partner in its development. He expressed HSBC’s aspiration to see Bangladesh’s apparel industry expand on a much larger scale and reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to standing alongside BGMEA as a strategic growth partner.
Referring to the changing sourcing strategies of international buyers, Mr. Rahman emphasized the importance of undertaking comprehensive research to better understand these shifting trends. He also advised BGMEA to identify three to five strategic priorities aimed at expanding Bangladesh’s global apparel market, strengthening supply chain efficiency, and increasing the country’s share in the international apparel trade. He assured that HSBC would support BGMEA in implementing these priorities, from policy advocacy to international market engagement.
In his welcome remarks, BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury said that BGMEA and HSBC have jointly undertaken this initiative with the objective of establishing a global platform to further elevate Bangladesh’s position in the international apparel industry.
Key Objectives of the Initiative
- Market Exploration and Promotion: Organize the Hong Kong Apparel Roadshow to facilitate meaningful engagement with international buyers and industry stakeholders while accelerating access to new export markets.
- Strengthening the Value Chain and Sourcing Opportunities: Advance strategic discussions to reinforce Bangladesh’s position within global supply chains and create new sourcing opportunities for international buyers.
- Sustainable Growth: Showcase the capabilities, modernization efforts, innovation, and sustainable transformation of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry to the global market.
The event also featured remarks by Md. Ashfaqur Rahman, Head of Global Supply Chain, Corporate and Institutional Banking, HSBC Bangladesh.
