Bangladesh's exports of non-cotton garments, including man-made fibers, could double to $19 billion by 2025 from the current $8.5 billion, predicts a new study by the Economic Relations Division (ERD). 

However, this potential hinges on overcoming several key challenges such as importing man-made fibers incurs duties of up to 59 per cent, compared to duty-free cotton. This discourages investment and increases costs.

Secondly, complex customs procedures and limited access to short-term financing hinder smooth operations and expansion. The industry also lacks skilled workers and modern technology, hindering efficiency and competitiveness. It even does a dedicated fiber security strategy and limited research and development activities further impede growth.

To unlock Bangladesh’s export potential, local entrepreneurs like Md Saleudh Zaman Khan Jitu have emphasised the need for duty-free imports of raw materials. Industry leaders like Mohammad Ali Khokon and Abdullahil Rakib have also called for policy support, including duty-free access and infrastructure development.

The recommendations of these leaders include implementing a fiber security strategy to ensure raw material availability, granting duty-free access to all man-made fiber raw materials, establishing a dedicated low-cost investment fund for the sector, investing in skill development and technology adoption initiatives, streamlining customs procedures and simplify duty drawback processes and increasing research and development activities to enhance competitiveness.