Sweden and Bangladesh share a strong and growing relationship, officially established in 1972, marked by robust diplomatic, development, trade, and cultural ties. Sweden was an early supporter of Bangladesh’s independence, and the countries have a long history of cooperation, focusing on areas like human rights, sustainability, and economic development.
In the process of covering regular conversations and thoughts of different diplomats recently team Textile Focus had a conversation with H.E. Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh. In the conversation, H.E. Nicolas Weeks about the Bangladesh RMG industry and the bilateral relations between Bangladesh & Sweden. Key discussion points are mentioned below for our readers-
- Sweden-Bangladesh Relations-
- “Sweden recognised Bangladesh in 1972—and today, we’re investing in its future as a global leader in sustainable trade.”
- “The real opportunity lies in moving up the value chain – with sustainability as the driver, not the add-on.”
- “The ambition to build a climate-smart, competitive and socially responsible textile sector is shared – and Sweden is all in.”
Textile Focus: How do you see the economic growth of Bangladesh, especially in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector?
Ambassador: Bangladesh’s RMG sector has been central to the country’s economic transformation – lifting millions out of poverty and making Bangladesh the world’s second-largest apparel exporter. While recent macroeconomic challenges have slowed momentum, the long-term outlook remains strong, driven by a growing workforce and a rising global demand. To remain competitive, an accelerated transition towards sustainable production and investment in skills development, especially for women, is key.
Sweden sees a unique opportunity to support this shift. That is why we in 2021 launched the Sustainable Fashion Platform (SFP) – a flagship initiative connecting Bangladeshi and Swedish actors from industry, government, and academia to co-create solutions for circularity, climate-smart production, and decent work. As part of this collaboration, we recently held the fifth SFP matchmaking event, where eleven Swedish and Nordic companies met with fourteen Bangladeshi textile and garment producers to explore partnerships in sustainable technologies.
However, SFP is more than a project – it is a strategic platform for innovation and knowledge exchange. We believe Bangladesh can lead the global transition to sustainable fashion, and Sweden is proud to be a committed partner.
Moreover, Sweden, through its development cooperation, is supporting the RMG supply chain in Bangladesh by promoting decent working conditions and social dialogue, providing essential technologies, and skills development and access to finance, especially for women to ensure an environmentally and socially sustainable RMG sector.
Textile Focus: Sweden is a very important market for apparel sourcing. How can Bangladesh export more to the Swedish market?
Ambassador: Sweden is already a key market for Bangladeshi apparel, but there is room to grow – especially by focusing on quality, sustainability, and innovation. Swedish brands are restructuring supply chains to meet climate goals and respond to conscious consumers. Bangladesh can position itself not just as a supplier, but as a strategic partner.
Through the Sustainable Fashion Platform, we connect Bangladeshi manufacturers with Swedish expertise in areas like water efficiency, renewable energy, circular design, and social compliance. Our approach is long-term – based on partnerships, knowledge exchange, and targeted matchmaking – to help Bangladeshi companies meet evolving market demands and increase export value.
Textile Focus: Many Swedish apparel brands source from Bangladesh, but the country still produces mostly basic items. How can it export more value-added products?
Ambassador: Swedish brands increasingly seek suppliers that offer more than basics – products that reflect sustainability, innovation, and strong social standards. This creates real opportunities for Bangladesh to move up the value chain.
Sweden supports this shift through development cooperation that enhance labour rights, strengthens technical skills, and empowers women and boosts factory competitiveness. Flagship initiatives like LoGIC, InSPIRE and PROGRESS focus on vocational training, leadership development, knowledge sharing and access to resources. These efforts promote ESG compliance, green finance and inclusive workspace practices – helping manufacturers align the expectations of global buyers.
Textile Focus: If LDC graduation happens by 2026, how will Bangladesh see more opportunities in the EU market?
Ambassador: LDC graduation in 2026 is not just a challenge – it is a turning point for Bangladesh. With the EU’s GSP+ on the horizon, Bangladesh can demonstrate its commitment to sustainability, labour rights, and innovation. Swedish companies are already contributing to this journey by engaging in reform dialogues and supporting improvements in workplace safety, freedom of association, and environmental standards. By embracing this transition, Bangladesh can evolve from enjoying preferential access to becoming a strategically relevant partner in the EU market.
Textile Focus: What are the bilateral challenges between Bangladesh and Sweden?
Ambassador: Improving the ease of doing business will be key to attracting more Swedish companies. Simplified regulations, better infrastructure, and predictable policy environments can significantly boost investor confidence. As Swedish firms explore opportunities beyond textiles, a more business-friendly climate will help unlock new avenues for collaboration. This will strengthen bilateral trade and investment, benefiting both economies
Sweden and Bangladesh share a long-standing partnershipToday, our relationship spans trade, development, and diplomacy. There is a clear potential to deepen this partnership. Swedish companies remain committed to Bangladesh’s textile sector but highlight areas for improvement – such as regulatory clarity, consistent enforcement of standards, and access to renewable energy. These are shared priorities, not points of friction.
Sweden supports reforms that strengthen competitiveness, sustainability, and social progress – economically, diplomatically, and through development cooperation. With national elections ahead, the pace may vary, but the direction is clear: building a climate-smart, globally competitive, and socially responsible textile sector.
