Bangladesh’s apparel exports to India increased 111 per cent point-to-point in the last nine months. Knitwear exports to India increased 104 per cent, and woven exports increased by 113 per cent. Bangladesh’s total exports to India increased by 15 per cent during the period.

The main reason for the increase in apparel exports is the appreciation of the rupee against the dollar. Also, there is an advantage of lead time to export to India which is a neighboring country. Bangladesh is keen to collaborate with India on various fronts such as supply chain, technology and textile education. Bangladesh is the world’s second largest readymade garment exporter and India is the second largest producer of manmade fiber and textile fabrics. Bangladesh feels it can work with India for creating a supply chain, where it can source the raw material like cotton and manmade fiber, yarn and textiles and convert them into fashion apparels.

Equal emphasis on physical and institutional connectivity between India and Bangladesh will facilitate the exploration of more opportunities through trade and investment. Connectivity offers a game-changing opportunity for India and Bangladesh. This is pivotal to India’s connectivity with its north-eastern region and with countries of Asean.