BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has stressed the need for stepping up collaboration between Bangladesh and China to expand bilateral trade between the two countries, especially in apparel and textile sector.

“We view China as an important partner since the country has strong textile industry and other raw material industries to support Bangladesh’s shift from cotton to non-cotton and high-value apparels,” he observed during a meeting with Mr. Zhang Tao,

Vice Chairman, Sub-Council of Textile Industry, CCPIT-TEX at BGMEA Complex on March 4.

Ms. Meherun N. Islam, President and Group Managing Director, CEMS-Global - USA and Asia Pacific, Mr. S S Sarwar, Group CEO, CEMS Global-USA and Mr. Jason, Director of CCPIT-TEX were also present at the meeting.

They discussed how both sides could work together to identify areas of mutual collaboration and make use of the opportunities that lie ahead.

The discussion also focused on how China could meet the growing demand of Bangladesh for man-made fibre, dyes, chemicals, textile machinery and other raw materials.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said China is a potential destination for Bangladesh’s RMG exports as the country has duty-free access to the Chinese market.

“So there are huge opportunities for Bangladesh and China that will create a win-win situation for both sides,” he said.

He stressed on the need for bringing apparel and textile businessmen of two countries closer so that they could identify their mutual needs and ways to meet them.

“It will certainly benefit both Bangladesh and China,” said Faruque Hassan, calling on CCPIT-TEX to collaborate with BGMEA in this regard.