Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has sought support from the Bangladesh envoy in Canada to increase the country's share of apparel exports in a potential market like Canada, especially in the area of high-end and diversified apparel products.
He met Bangladesh High Commissioner to Canada Dr Khalilur Rahman in Ottawa recently and discussed relevant issues.
BGMEA Director Abdullah Hil Rakib was also present at the meeting.
The BGMEA president also requested the envoy to project the positive stories of Bangladesh's apparel industry – namely, remarkable progress workplace safety, social and environmental sustainability and workers' wellbeing.
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He emphasised the efforts and role of the high commission in Canada in securing the continuation of trade benefits for Bangladesh for 12 years after the country's graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category in 2026.
Faruque also sought cooperation from Khalilur Rahman in finding ways to involve non-resident Bangladeshis (NRBs) living in Canada in the economic development of Bangladesh.
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He informed the envoy about the present situation of Bangladesh's ready-made garment (RMG) industry, especially how the industry has been rebounding following the unprecedented disruption caused by the Covid-19.
Faruque also shared the future priorities of the apparel industry, including product diversification, especially increased focus on non-cotton and high-end product segments, market diversification and innovation in product development and process optimisation.