Philippine-Bangladesh has s strong bilateral relations. The Philippines openly supported Bangladesh’s struggle for liberation and admission to the United Nations. The Philippines at once recognized Bangladesh as a new state on 24 February 1972. Diplomatic relations were established, first with the accreditation to the Philippines of Bangladesh’s first Ambassador to Indonesia and Thailand. In 1981, both the Philippines and Bangladesh opened missions in each other’s capital. Recently, Team Textile Focus had a conversation with Her Excellency Nina P. Cainglet, Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh. Key discussion points are mentioned below for our readers-
Textile Focus: Bangladesh is now under the leadership of the interim government. How do you see the economic growth of Bangladesh?
Nina P. Cainglet: The Philippines views Bangladesh’s economic trajectory with optimism. We welcome the growing confidence in the government, especially as Bangladesh prepares for its LDC graduation next year.
We witnessed the country’s improved macroeconomic situation, marked by improved foreign exchange reserves, and increased remittances and export earnings, as well as curbed inflation.”
Among others, we attended the Business Investment Summit and the Social Business Days, which underscored the resilience of the economy under the interim government. We welcome the government’s commitment to foster investment-friendly policies and sustainable long-term growth.
The Philippines stands ready to deepen cooperation in areas where our complementary strengths can generate mutual benefits.
Textile Focus: Bangladesh achieved impressive growth in garment exports to the Philippines, especially in knitwear and woven products. How can Bangladesh export more to the Philippines?
Nina P. Cainglet: Bangladesh’s position as the world’s second‑largest exporter of textiles and apparel is supported by robust figures. In 2024, Bangladesh exported approximately USD 34.8 billion worth of textiles globally.
Bilateral exports to the Philippines are much more modest, but still significant, considering that trade balance has been in favor of Bangladesh in the last few years. Total Bangladeshi exports to the Philippines in 2024 were estimated at USD 91.9 million, with knit or woven apparel representing 50% share of its total ready-made garment exports. As we speak about garments and textiles, allow me to share that I am wearing today a custom-made Filipiniana wrap-around top, which has been fashioned from fabric that was hand-painted by a female Bangladeshi artist, who is a member of the Chittagong Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, based in Chattogram. This symbolizes how our shared strengths can produce something beautiful — how our two countries can literally weave our narratives together. By incorporating Bangladeshi textiles into a traditional Philippine attire, we are celebrating the craftsmanship and creativity of Bangladesh while also showcasing the possibilities for fashion and design collaboration between our nations. This cross-cultural blending shows that textiles are not merely a trade commodity but a bridge for cultural understanding and sustainable partnerships.
There is clear scope to grow Bangladesh’s share in Philippine apparel imports. Bangladeshi RMG actors could explore the following opportunities:
a. Forge direct partnerships with Philippine buyers: Bangladeshi exporters can initiate relationships with leading Philippine retail chains, fashion brands, and distributors. Establishing direct sourcing agreements and joint ventures will help raise visibility and volume.
b. Leverage trade events and B2B platforms: Participation in Philippine‑oriented trade fairs and virtual sourcing events can strengthen market awareness. The Embassy, also through its non-resident Commercial Counsellor, is positioned to facilitate business matching.
c. Tap into high‑value niche segments, such as sustainable, ethical, and innovative garment lines: While price competitiveness is Bangladesh’s strength, there is growing demand not only in the Philippines but globally for sustainable fashion. Bangladesh’s increasing number of Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)-certified manufacturers positions exporters well for eco-conscious markets.
d. Diversify design and value-added offerings: Moving beyond basic T‑shirts and mass‑produced items to garments with advanced finishes, technical textiles, or fashion‑oriented woven pieces can attract new buyers.
e. Explore opportunities in textile innovation and integration into the global value chain.
The global garments industry, which according to statistics, is worth over US $1.8 trillion in revenue and accounts for 1.6% of the world’s economy. It has the potential to offer shared win-win solutions in the garments industry that will impact positively on the economy – including the farmers, weavers, and artisans, and even the creative industries.
In the Philippines, we weave fibers from non-traditional sources – pineapple, banana, and bamboo, among others, and we have a research institute dedicated to textile innovation.
We should also explore cooperation in the textile industry that will help in achieving a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Textile Focus: Bangladesh’s export basket is heavily dependent on apparel products. How can the Embassy help with diversification?
Nina P. Cainglet: While apparel remains Bangladesh’s flagship export, the Embassy sees significant untapped potential to broaden cooperation with the Philippines, particularly in high-growth, high-value sectors such as agro‑processing, pharmaceuticals, and information technology services.
To translate potential into tangible results, the Embassy is ready to explore opportunities to strengthen economic cooperation with Bangladesh.
To recall, there has been assistance from the Philippines in agriculture cooperation, including sugarcane, pineapples, and milkfish. We look forward to more cooperation in agro-processing in areas, such as coconut and mangoes.
The Embassy is ready to provide step-by-step market-entry guidance—covering tariff schedules, product standards, and regulatory requirements—to ensure compliance with Philippine regulations. We can work with Bangladeshi companies in non-apparel sectors who are ready to export to the Philippines, particularly in agro‑processed food products, generic pharmaceuticals, and household goods, such as home furnishings.
The Embassy encourages Bangladeshi participation in at least two major Philippine trade exhibitions, like Manila FAME for lifestyle and home products; IFEX Philippines and WOFEX for food, beverage, and hospitality; Philconstruct for construction and building; and Agrilink for agriculture and fisheries; to showcase non-apparel capabilities and capture broader buyer interest.
Textile Focus: What are the challenges in bilateral trade?
Nina P. Cainglet: Like many bilateral trade relationships, the Philippines and Bangladesh face certain challenges, such as gaps in market knowledge, absence of direct shipping or air connectivity, and the need for harmonization of certain regulatory standards. Nevertheless, these are not insurmountable. Through sustained dialogue, facilitation of private-sector engagement, and potential enhancements in our bilateral trade frameworks—including discussions to update the Air Services Agreement and explore trade facilitation measures—we can reduce these barriers.
The Philippines remains committed to working with Bangladesh to turn challenges into opportunities, advancing our shared vision of stronger, more diversified, and mutually beneficial economic ties for the benefit of our peoples.
