The Bangladesh-German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BGCCI) is a trusted name for fostering commercial ties between Bangladesh and Germany. Since its inception, BGCCI has been serving as a catalyst for accelerating economic growth in both partner countries. As an independent, member-driven bilateral chamber based in Dhaka, it has built a strong network across both markets.
With more than 300 members, BGCCI is the largest bilateral chamber of commerce in Bangladesh. It provides strategic support and business services to both Bangladeshi and German companies, helping them identify new trade, sourcing, and investment opportunities.
Textile Focus: Bangladesh is now led by an elected government. How do you see the prospects of economic growth, particularly in the RMG sector?
Md. Rokonuzzaman: We are operating in a VUCA world—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—and Bangladesh’s RMG sector is not outside these pressures. While the return of an elected government creates hope for greater political predictability, policy continuity, and investor confidence, the sector still faces several challenges that will shape its future growth.
First, global demand remains uneven due to inflationary pressures, slow consumer spending in key Western markets, and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Second, transitioning from LDC status threatens current trade preferences. To secure future preferential access (like the EU’s GSP+), the country must implement 27 international conventions on labor, human rights, and governance.
Third, cost pressures within Bangladesh are rising. Higher energy prices, gas and electricity supply instability, exchange rate fluctuations, logistics bottlenecks, and increasing wage expectations are all putting pressure on manufacturers’ margins.
Fourth, the “China Plus One” strategy presents a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to attract buyers seeking alternatives to China.
Therefore, with political stability, improved infrastructure, energy security, trade preparedness, and a shift toward higher-value-added garments, the RMG sector can continue to be the backbone of Bangladesh’s economic growth.
Textile Focus: How are BGCCI members contributing to the Bangladesh economy and boosting RMG exports?
Md. Rokonuzzaman: Germany is Bangladesh’s second-largest export destination, accounting for more than 12% of total RMG exports, valued at approximately USD 4.7 billion. BGCCI plays a critical bridging role between Bangladeshi manufacturers and German buyers, promoting sustainable trade and facilitating networking among stakeholders.
Currently, BGCCI has over 300 members, with more than 50% directly or indirectly linked to the RMG sector. We are proud to have world-renowned German brands such as Lidl, Ospig, Picard, PUMA, Tchibo, KiK, s. Oliver, technology leaders like Karl Mayer, innovation partners such as AMANN and BASF, and compliance specialists such as TÜV and Hohenstein.
BGCCI acts as a catalyst for technology, compliance, and sustainability, helping Bangladeshi factories align with the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act and ensuring ethical and responsible production across the entire value chain. Our members contribute in several direct ways:
- Generating export orders through buyer–supplier engagement.
- Bringing German brands closer to Bangladeshi manufacturers.
- Supporting technology transfer through machinery, chemicals, trims, testing, and process improvement partners.
- Improving compliance and quality standards through certification, lab, audit, and advisory support.
- Promoting sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.
- Helping factories upgrade in productivity, product quality, innovation, and traceability.
- Enhancing investors’ confidence through a trusted chamber platform.
BGCCI positions itself as a trade and investment bridge and already provides networking, business delegations, market data, trade and investment support, and access to consulting services to member organizations.
Textile Focus: Germany is a key destination for Bangladeshi apparel goods. How can Bangladesh increase its share in the high-end market segment?
Md. Rokonuzzaman: Bangladesh has set a target of USD 100 billion in RMG exports by 2030. To achieve this ambitious goal, we need to diversify our product base—particularly into man-made fiber (MMF) and non-cotton items. Investment in automation, innovation, and green energy will be fundamental.
We’re witnessing a positive shift among global buyers—from basic knits to outerwear, sportswear, workwear, and high-end garments. BGCCI is actively collaborating closely with GIZ and BGMEA on various capacity-building programs that focus on knowledge transfer, technological upskilling, and sustainable growth initiatives.
The direction is clear: Bangladesh’s future competitiveness lies in value addition, not just volume expansion.
Textile Focus: What are the key challenges in bilateral trade between Bangladesh and Germany?
Md. Rokonuzzaman: A number of structural issues continue to hinder bilateral trade growth. These include:
- The main challenges in Bangladesh-Germany trade are speed, cost, compliance, and policy readiness.
- Logistics remains a major weakness — long lead times, port delays, and higher freight costs hurt Bangladesh’s competitiveness.
- Production costs are rising, especially in energy, wages, imported inputs, financing, and compliance.
- Banking and foreign exchange procedures still create friction for trade and investment flows.
- Some bilateral frameworks, including the 1990 DTAA, are now outdated and should be reviewed.
- LDC graduation is a serious strategic issue, especially as Bangladesh prepares for the eventual transition from EBA preferences.
- At the same time, German buyers now expect much more on ESG, traceability, responsible sourcing, and due diligence compliance.
At BGCCI, we are actively addressing these issues through policy dialogue with relevant authorities, including BGMEA, BIDA, and the Ministry of Commerce, aiming to accelerate necessary reforms and keep Bangladesh globally competitive.
Textile Focus: As the President of BGCCI, what are your strategic priorities for promoting German investment in Bangladesh?
Md. Rokonuzzaman: Our new Board has structured its roadmap around three strategic pillars:
- Investment Promotion
- Launching sector-specific B2B matchmaking initiatives with German SMEs.
- Hosting two inbound German delegations annually, along with one outbound delegation to Germany (Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich).
- Promoting Bangladesh as a manufacturing and sustainability partner for Germany, highlighting our strength in responsible manufacturing.
- Policy Advocacy
- Organizing seminars and policy dialogues with key institutions such as the Ministry of Commerce, BIDA, and NBR to improve the ease of doing business.
- Engaging in high-level discussions to build a more investment-friendly ecosystem.
- Partnership with the Global German Chamber Network (AHK)
- Strengthening collaboration with AHK to connect German innovation with Bangladesh’s manufacturing potential.
Our vision is to position BGCCI as the most trusted German business platform in South Asia, making Bangladesh the preferred destination for German investment, manufacturing, and sustainable innovation.
Textile Focus: Thank you, Mr. Rokonuzzaman, for your insights and outlook on the future of bilateral trade.
Md. Rokonuzzaman: It has been a pleasure. We believe the partnership between Bangladesh and Germany will continue to thrive—built on mutual growth, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
