Led by SM Mannan (Kochi), a delegation from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), met Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud at the ministry in Dhaka to seek his cooperation in product, market diversification for RMG sector.

The BGMEA delegation included Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Senior Vice President; Arshad Jamal (Dipu), Abdullah Hil Rakib and Miran Ali, Vice Presidents; Md. Imranur Rahman, Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Shams Mahmud, Rajiv Chowdhury, Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Md. Nurul Islam, and Saifuddin Siddiquie Sagar, Directors. They discussed product diversification and strategies to enhance ready-made garment exports to new markets.

During the meeting, Mannan emphasised on the market significance and product diversification to reach the goal of achieving $100 billion from garment exports by 2030. Garment exports to new markets have increased from $847 million to $8,370 million with government policy support over the past 15 years, he noted.

BGMEA sought the cooperation of Bangladesh’s relevant embassies to organise roadshows, network with buyers, and participate in key fairs to increase exports to new markets, particularly to Brazil, Argentina, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, and ASEAN countries.

He also highlighted the importance of bilateral and regional free trade agreements with these potential markets.

During the meeting, Mannan also sought the Foreign Ministry’s support in addressing the potential impact of LDC graduation on the country’s export trade and continuing duty-free facilities in major export markets.

The Foreign Minister emphasised on the need to diversify into new products and explore new markets, especially in Africa, South America, and ASEAN countries.

He assured the delegation of the Foreign Ministry’s full cooperation in this regard, mentioning ongoing discussions with various countries to remove tariff barriers in these potential markets.