World-class safety standards alongside major strides in responsible and sustainable business practices and enhanced capabilities for meeting the demand for diversified products have amplified the preference of international buyers for garments made in Bangladesh, said Faruque Hassan, BGMEA President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

He said Bangladeshi garment factories have been making considerable efforts and investment in maintaining workplace safety, upgrading their production capabilities, especially for manufacturing more complex and high-value items, and improving in the area of environmental sustainability.

“The industry’s efforts are paying off as the ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand is getting more popular among the brands and retailers. It is evident in the recently published report where US fashion companies rated Bangladesh highly as the topmost competitive country in terms of product prices among the world's apparel-manufacturing countries,” he remarked.

Faruque Hassan came up with observations while addressing the opening ceremony of liaison office of Sports Group Denmark in Dhaka on August 7.

Bjarne Jeppesen, CEO; Heidi Langergaard Kroer, Supply Chain Manager;  and Jan Rossel, Sourcing and Country Manger, Sports Group Denmark were present at the opening ceremony. 

In his address, the BGMEA President said diversifying markets and moving to more complex products and value addition is a key strategy for Bangladesh’s apparel industry to pursue sustainable growth.

The industry is increasingly investing in technologies and innovations in line with the changing global trends to enhance their competitiveness, he said, adding that the sector is committed to continue its effort in that direction to keep up its reputation in the global market.

He urged international buyers including Sports Group Denmark to increase sourcing garments, especially high-value ones from Bangladesh.

He also called on them to look for ways to make partnership with their suppliers stronger to reap mutual benefits.