Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan paid a courtesy call on Monirul Islam, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy, at the embassy in Rome.

Embassy officials including Economic Counsellor Md. Al Amin and First Secretary (Labour) Ashif Anam Siddique were also present during the meeting.

The discussions centered on the significant trade and investment opportunities between Bangladesh and Italy, with a particular focus on increasing Bangladeshi garment exports to Italy, especially high-value fashion products.

President Faruque provided an overview of Bangladesh apparel industry’s current state, future potential and vision.

He highlighted the industry’s growing shift from basic to high-end products, particularly the fashion items based on man-made fibers and technical textiles.

Since the demand for high-end garments is significant in the Italian market, there is a considerable opportunity for Bangladesh to export such goods to Italy, he observed.

He emphasised the potential investment sectors for Italian investors, including non-cotton textiles, food and agro-processing, IT, light engineering, leather, and shipbuilding.

The BGMEA leader sought the support from the Embassy to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially attracting investments from Italy in the promising industrial sectors in Bangladesh.

Highlighting the direct flight between Dhaka and Rome, Faruque emphasised its significance in enhancing business communication.

He called upon the envoy to streamline consular services and simplify the visa obtaining process for businessmen, with the aim of fostering increased business interactions.

The BGMEA president called on Ambassador Monirul Islam to facilitate collaboration between BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and fashion institutes in Italy to enhance the skills of BUFT students.