“Bangladesh is the 2nd largest apparel exporting country in the world; but in denim we are largest exporter both in the EU and US, even before China. Bangladesh Denim Expo has a huge contribution behind this success of Bangladesh’s denim exports,’’ Commerce minister Tipu Munshi, MP, said this while inaugurating the 15th edition of the expo as the chief guest in Dhaka yesterday.
Siddiqur Rahman, former president of BGMEA; Faruque Hassan, president of BGMEA; SM Mannan Kochi, senior vice president of BGMEA; and Mostafiz Uddin, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) were the special guests on the occasion.
“Denim and denim related products account for about one fourth of Bangladesh’s total apparel exports. So, to fetch the $100 billion apparel export target, the country has to double its denim exports by 2030,” said Rahman. “It’s possible. Because we believe that the brands and retailers will choose Bangladesh as their preferred apparel sourcing destination since the country has made exemplary progresses in workplace safety and sustainability in recent years.”
Hassan said, “The presence of 200 green garment factories LEED certified by United States Green Building Council (USGBC) in the country is the testament to Bangladesh’s apparel industry’s commitments towards sustainability. Among the world’s top 10 green factories now at least 8 are located in Bangladesh.”
SM Mannan Kochi said, “Currently BGMEA and the government are taking highest cautions for apparel business in the country running smoothly. The successful arrangement of the 15th Bangladesh Denim Expo is a proof of the safe business atmosphere prevalent in Bangladesh.”
Ziaur Rahman, regional country manager (Bangladesh, Pakistan and Africa), H&M said, “H&M has taken initiative to reduce 56 per cent carbon dioxide by 2030. It has taken the initiative to sign a power purchase agreement to make the market competitive for the company. He emphasised taking a more regularised scheme for the recycling process to be done. Also, focused on innovation - try, learn, and adapt techniques which are vital for the apparel industry. On this note, H&M is working with the GIF for green innovation.”
Moreover, new technologies are required for less carbon emissions and less water usage. Besides he also mentioned about the higher wages of the garment workers by inviting the ministers for negotiation since, H&M does not negotiate rather work on the strategic aspect of the apparel sector.
“Bangladesh denim industry has huge potentials. The BAE organisation has been working to unlock the untapped potentials of the denim industry,” Mostafiz Uddin said.
A total of 80 exhibitors from 12 countries are participating in the 15th Bangladesh Denim Expo. About 5,000 visitors from home and abroad have registered to attend the 2-day expo starting from this Wednesday.
Four panel discussions titled ‘Bangladesh Apparel Industry in 2030: The Road Ahead’, ‘Transforming Human Capital for USD 100 Billion Export Target’, ‘Sustainable Transition of Denim Industry’, and ‘Unlocking the Untapped Potentials’ are also being organised in this edition of the expo.
ALCHEMPro News Desk (KD)
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