The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) believes that Uruguay could serve as a key gateway for exporting apparel from Bangladesh to the Mercosur market, South America’s influential trade block.

BGMEA leaders expressed this view on 08 January 2026 during a visit by the Ambassador of Uruguay to Bangladesh, Alberto Guani, to the BGMEA office.

The discussion was led by BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan. Other participants from BGMEA included Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Director Sumaiya Islam, and Director Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz. The meeting was also attended by the Honorary Consul of Uruguay in Bangladesh, Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan.

The meeting focused on bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and mutual cooperation to address challenges in the post-LDC graduation period.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan sought the cooperation of the Uruguayan government to increase apparel exports from Bangladesh to Uruguay.

BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury stated that Uruguay, in particular, could act as the main gateway for Bangladesh’s ready-made garment exports to the Mercosur region.

The Ambassador of Uruguay expressed interest in increasing apparel imports from Bangladesh and also proposed exporting world-class traceability-certified wool from Uruguay to Bangladesh.

Honorary Consul Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan noted that Uruguayan Merino wool carries internationally recognized traceability certification, which could help Bangladeshi garment manufacturers become more competitive in the global market.

BGMEA Director Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz said that importing wool from Uruguay could help Bangladesh diversify its products and strengthen its presence in the Latin American market.

Both sides also discussed the necessity of signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the Mercosur block to address post-LDC graduation challenges. BGMEA Director Sumaiya Islam said that if Bangladesh could import wool from Uruguay as raw material and, in return, secure special preferences for apparel exports from Bangladesh under an FTA, the garment industry would significantly benefit.

It was noted that a trade agreement with Mercosur would be mutually beneficial for expanding trade. In particular, Bangladesh’s apparel exporters could easily supply products across the entire Mercosur region by utilizing Uruguay’s efficient ports and advanced transportation system.

During the meeting, BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury proposed sending a strong trade delegation to Uruguay.

Ambassador Alberto Guani informed that Uruguay has already requested Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a delegation, and he expressed the view that BGMEA could be part of this delegation. BGMEA leaders emphasized the need for easing visa procedures.

Both sides expressed strong interest in working together closely in the future.