New Zealand is keen to provide technical and strategic support for Bangladesh's economic and industrial development, provided Dhaka outlines specific sectors where it requires assistance, Non-resident High Commissioner David Pine said on Thursday.
"If Bangladesh outlines the specific areas where it expects cooperation from New Zealand with a detailed blueprint, we will positively move forward with an effective partnership," High Commissioner Pine said during a bilateral meeting with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan.
The meeting, held at the BGMEA office in Uttara on Thursday morning, focused heavily on boosting bilateral trade, uncovering new investment avenues, and strengthening long-term strategic cooperation between the two nations.
Welcoming the envoy's proposal, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan highlighted the association's ambitious roadmap to scale up global apparel exports to $100 billion by 2035.
"To achieve this goal and mitigate global geopolitical risks, BGMEA is putting special emphasis on non-traditional and high-potential markets like New Zealand," Khan said.
Currently, Bangladesh faces a trade deficit of approximately $300 million with New Zealand. According to data from the 2024-25 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported goods worth around $100 million to New Zealand, with ready-made garments (RMG) accounting for 94 percent of those shipments. Both sides agreed to work jointly to narrow this gap and explore untapped trade potentials.
The BGMEA chief noted that the current board is working to diversify both markets and products in line with the government's long-term planning. Beyond RMG, the association is pushing for the expansion of textiles, footwear, pharmaceuticals, and furniture industries—sectors where New Zealand’s technical partnership could play a pivotal role. The High Commissioner expressed his agreement on this front.
During the talks on the sustainable transformation of the RMG sector, renewable energy integration came to the fore, with the BGMEA president seeking advanced technical support from New Zealand.
The discussion also touched upon the deferral of Bangladesh's Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation. When the High Commissioner inquired about Bangladesh's readiness, the BGMEA chief replied that the current business-friendly government is actively working alongside traders toward this goal.
He emphasized the urgent need for Bangladesh to sign Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various nations in the interim.
Furthermore, the BGMEA president sought the New Zealand government's sincere support and cooperation in deferring the LDC graduation by three years.
Enhancing the visibility of Bangladeshi apparel brands in the New Zealand market was another key agenda item. Since many top global brands do not operate directly in New Zealand, the BGMEA side inquired about establishing direct links with local buyers and retailers.
In response, High Commissioner Pine advised Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to participate in international expos and trade fairs hosted in New Zealand. He assured that the High Commission would provide full assistance if a business delegation from Bangladesh visits New Zealand.
The envoy also responded positively to a proposal for promoting Bangladesh’s homegrown brands in the New Zealand market.
Senior leaders of BGMEA and high-ranking officials from the New Zealand High Commission were present at the meeting.