BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said apparel diplomacy can aid in opening a window of opportunities for Bangladesh’s RMG industry and realizing untapped trade potential. 

Discussions and engagement with the stakeholders not only help to strengthen business relations and retain existing trade benefits but also pave the way of new opportunities, he said. 

He made the remark while addressing a press conference organized by BGMEA at a hotel in Dhaka on October 2 to share the experience and outcomes of his just-concluded visit to the USA and Canada.

BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Miran Ali, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Asif Ashraf, Md. Khosru Chowdhury, Faisal Samad, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Rajiv Chowdhury, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan and M. Ahsanul Hoq were present at the media briefing. 

BGMEA Director Md. Mohiuddin Rubel moderated the press conference.

 BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made visits to the USA and Canada as a part of apparel diplomacy to promote the interests of Bangladesh’s garment industry and enhance its brand image.

During the tour he held meetings with stakeholders including buyers, brands’ associations, government high-ups, international media, academia, development partners and non-resident Bangladeshis living in the USA and Canada.

The issues of ethical sourcing and price, sustainability, positive stories of the industry, foreign investment in backward linkage industries, product diversification, capacity building in high-end product manufacturing and others got priority during his discussions with the stakeholders in the USA and Canada, two major apparel export markets for Bangladesh. 

The BGMEA President also highlighted potential of Bangladesh’s apparel industry and sought cooperation of brands and buyers for stronger partnership with Bangladeshi suppliers to develop their capacities. 

He requested the Bangladeshi diplomats in the USA and Canada to step up their diplomatic efforts to showcase the positive stories of Bangladesh’s RMG industry and attract foreign investment to potential sectors in Bangladesh.

Faruque Hassan said BGMEA would continue its dialogues and engagement with the stakeholders as part of apparel diplomacy to protect the interests of the RMG industry.