The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today urged increased Chinese investment and technology transfer in Bangladesh’s textile sector, aiming to strengthen the country’s competitiveness in high-value garment production.
The call was made during a high-level meeting held at the BGMEA Complex in the city with a 20-member delegation from the China Dyeing and Printing Association (CDPA), said a press release.
The delegation also included senior representatives from the China National Textile and Apparel Council (CNTAC) and leading firms engaged in dyeing, printing, and chemical manufacturing.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan led the Bangladesh side and described China as a long-standing and trusted partner, particularly in supplying raw materials and machinery to the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
He encouraged Chinese investors to explore opportunities in emerging segments such as Man-made Fiber (MMF), synthetic fiber, and technical textiles.
Highlighting the sector’s potential, he noted that Bangladesh imports woven fabrics worth approximately $8-9 billion annually, presenting a significant investment opportunity for foreign investors through wholly owned ventures or joint partnerships.
During the discussion, BGMEA leaders also pointed to the advantages of Bangladesh’s trade arrangements, including the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Japan, which allows investors operating in Bangladesh to access the Japanese market with duty-free benefits.
The meeting emphasized the importance of technology transfer, particularly in advanced areas like digital printing and synthetic fabric manufacturing.
BGMEA called for enhanced collaboration through technical training programs and knowledge-sharing initiatives to develop local expertise.
To strengthen business-to-business engagement, BGMEA requested detailed profiles and production capacities of the visiting Chinese firms for dissemination among its members.
The Chinese delegation has already begun visiting local dyeing and printing factories to assess capabilities, with BGMEA assuring full support.
The meeting concluded with both sides expressing optimism about deepening cooperation for the sustainable growth and mutual prosperity of the textile and apparel industries in Bangladesh and China.
