A total of 23 apparel companies from Bangladesh are participating in Apparel Sourcing Week in Bengaluru, in a bid to increase Bangladesh’s apparel export to India.
The two-day expo starting from 15th March is being organized by Apparel Resources at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru. Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is supporting the event.
The first edition of Apparel Sourcing Week 2019 was inaugurated by BGMEA President Md. Siddiqur Rahman and Vice President (Finance) Mohammed Nasir while the Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industry, Govt. of Karnataka, Gaurav Gupta was also present on the occasion on 15 March.
“India-Bangladesh relationship has grown stronger over the years and India is already a very important development partner for us besides being a vital destination for garment exports. Readymade garments today account for 84 per cent of our total exports while India on the other hand boasts of upwardly mobile and sizeable middle-class that has significant buying power. So Bangladesh can offer apparel to India at very competitive price. What’s more, our apparel manufacturing industry is one of the most sustainable in every aspect. Being a neighbouring country, we can leverage each other’s strengths and work together towards strengthening bilateral relations and business growth,” underlined Md. Siddiqur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the expo.
“I congratulate the organisers for coming up with the Apparel Sourcing Week 2019 in Bengaluru. Bengaluru is not only a major centre for technology but also a strong manufacturing hub including apparel. Retail sector is also very strong here, and I am sure the platform of Apparel Sourcing Week would provide a win-win situation for brands and retailers while also offering new export opportunities for Bangladesh,” said Gaurav Gupta, while adding that in today’s age of mutual cooperation, strong business relations between the India and Bangladesh is the need of the hour.
“Around 6 months back, when we began to develop this concept, we identified 3 key influencers that are the core to the success of the show namely Opportunity, Knowledge and Inspiration. Opportunity as we all understand, is through this platform which works for both the exhibitors and retailer. In the next two days we look forward to see great business develop for you all and wish everyone a fulfilling 2 day,” said Deepak Mohindra, Editor in-Chief of Apparel Resources on the occasion.
A flurry of activities – seminars, panel discussions, vendor workshops and open house are being held during the expo touching all key aspects of the booming Indian fashion retail sector, sourcing strategies, products, pricing and not to mention the core issues of business generation, networking and knowledge sharing.
BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Mohammed Nasir spoke at the panel discussion titled ‘Ease of Fashion Imports’ on the 2nd day of the expo on 16 March. “Bangladesh and India share a long border and a number of land customs ports, and we have geographic advantage as well as a free trade agreement through SAFTA which came into effect in 2016. But despite all these advantages our trade has not achieved the desired level so far”, said Mohammed Nasir. “Apparel and textile is a promising sector to strengthen the trade relation between the two neighbouring countries”, the Vice President (Finance) of BGMEA added.
The companies from Bangladesh participating at the Apparel Sourcing Week 2019 are Laila Styles Ltd, Bando Design Ltd, Jamuna Apparels Ltd, Energypac Fashions Ltd, Anowara Knit Composite Ltd, Sonia & Sweaters Limited, Pacific Jeans Ltd, Universal Jeans Ltd, Gramtech Knit Dyeing Finishing & Garments Ltd, Standard Group Ltd, Standard Stitches Ltd, Apex Textile Printing Mills Ltd, Pakiza Knit Composite Ltd, Well Group, Anzir Apparels Ltd, Anzir Terry Towels Ltd, Epic Group, Kwuntong Apparels Ltd, Lenny Fashion Ltd, K.C Bottom and Shirt Wear Company, RBSR Fashions Ltd, Denimach Ltd and Green Smirt Shirts Ltd.