New Zealand’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh, David Pine, has expressed the New Zealand government’s strong interest in providing technical and strategic cooperation to support Bangladesh’s economic and industrial development. He stated that if Bangladesh outlines in detail the specific sectors where it seeks New Zealand’s cooperation, New Zealand would move forward positively toward building an effective partnership.
The remarks were made during a bilateral meeting held on Thursday morning at the BGMEA office in Uttara with BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral trade, exploring new investment opportunities, and strengthening long-term strategic cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan welcomed the High Commissioner’s proposal for cooperation. He said that BGMEA is working with a visionary roadmap and strategic initiatives to increase Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports to USD 100 billion by 2035. To achieve this target and address global geopolitical risks, BGMEA is placing special emphasis on emerging and promising markets such as New Zealand beyond traditional export destinations.
It was noted that Bangladesh currently faces a trade deficit of nearly USD 300 million with New Zealand. According to data from the 2024–25 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported approximately USD 100 million in products to New Zealand, of which 94 percent were ready-made garments. Both sides agreed to work together to reduce the trade gap and capitalize on the vast potential to expand bilateral trade.
The BGMEA President also highlighted that the current BGMEA board is not only focusing on product and market diversification in the apparel sector but is also aligned with the government’s long-term plans to diversify exports beyond ready-made garments. He particularly emphasized sectors such as textiles, footwear, pharmaceuticals, and furniture, where New Zealand’s technological partnership could play a significant role. High Commissioner David Pine expressed agreement on this matter.
The meeting also discussed the use of renewable energy as part of the sustainable transformation of the apparel sector, with the BGMEA President seeking advanced technical cooperation from New Zealand in this area.
Bangladesh’s LDC graduation timeline was another important topic of discussion. When the High Commissioner asked about Bangladesh’s preparations regarding LDC graduation, Mahmud Hasan Khan stated that the current business-friendly government is working closely with the business community toward this goal. However, he stressed the importance of completing Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with different countries within this timeframe.
The BGMEA President also sought the sincere support and cooperation of the New Zealand government in extending Bangladesh’s LDC graduation period by three years.
Discussions were also held on increasing the visibility of Bangladeshi apparel brands in the New Zealand market. Since many leading global brands do not operate directly in New Zealand, BGMEA inquired about ways to establish direct business connections with local buyers and retailers in the country. In response, High Commissioner David Pine advised Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to participate in various international expos and trade fairs held in New Zealand. He further assured that the High Commission would provide full support if business delegations from Bangladesh visit New Zealand.
A proposal to promote Bangladeshi-owned brands in the New Zealand market was also positively received by the High Commissioner.
Senior leaders of BGMEA and high-ranking officials from the New Zealand High Commission were present at the meeting.
