In a major strategic move to weather global macroeconomic challenges, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Limited have forged a powerful partnership to expand the country's apparel export footprint into new, untapped international markets.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two organizations on Sunday at the BGMEA complex in Uttara. BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and HSBC Bangladesh Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Md. Mahbub-Ur Rahman signed the agreement on behalf of their respective institutions.
Under this strategic collaboration, a large-scale "Apparel Roadshow" will be launched in Hong Kong—one of Asia's premier business hubs—to directly connect Bangladeshi RMG exporters with global brands, top-tier buyers, and international partners. The initiative aims to diversify Bangladesh's export destinations beyond traditional markets, specifically targeting the broader Asian region.
Furthermore, the upcoming Bangladesh Textile Exhibition (BATEXPO) will be leveraged as a key domestic and international market expansion platform.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted that HSBC’s vast global banking network gives it unparalleled access and institutional credibility among major international buyers.
"Global buyers heavily value HSBC’s assessments. We want to leverage this unique connection to specifically invite major international buyers to the Hong Kong Roadshow who are currently not sourcing significantly from Bangladesh. This will open up fresh avenues for our apparel sector," the BGMEA chief stated.
Call for Data-Driven Strategy and Clear Priorities:
Emphasizing that the RMG sector remains the ultimate engine of Bangladesh's economy, HSBC Bangladesh CEO Md. Mahbub ur Rahman said the bank wants to anchor itself as a long-term growth partner for the industry.
Observing the ongoing shifting dynamics in global sourcing destinations, the HSBC CEO stressed the urgent need for comprehensive research on evolving buyer behaviors. He urged the BGMEA leadership to isolate three to five specific priority areas focusing on market expansion, supply chain efficiency, and global market share growth. He assured that HSBC would work shoulder-to-shoulder with BGMEA from policy formulation to international executions to implement these target areas.
Core Objectives of the Partnership:
Earlier in the welcome address, BGMEA Director Shah Rayed Chowdhury explained that the joint venture builds a strong platform to brand Bangladesh globally. The core objectives of this collaboration include:
Exploring New Markets: Driving export momentum and establishing meaningful dialogues with global stakeholders through the Hong Kong Roadshow.
Enhancing Sourcing Value Chains: Conducting strategic discussions to strengthen Bangladesh’s positioning in the global supply chain and capture new business leads.
Highlighting Sustainable Growth: Showcasing the technological modernization, capability, and sustainable transformation achieved by Bangladesh's RMG factories to the global community.
Senior Vice President of BGMEA Inamul Haq Khan, key board directors, and Md. Ashfakur Rahman, Head of Global Supply Chain, Corporate and Institutional Banking at HSBC Bangladesh, among other top officials, was present at the event.