Technological modernisation key to sustainable growth of apparel industry

Technological modernisation, improved productivity, and supportive policies are crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of Bangladesh's RMG sector.

Alongside enhancing workforce skills, a strong shift towards smart manufacturing and green technologies is now imperative, said industry leaders and policymakers at the inauguration of GTB 2026 (Garment Technology Bangladesh), the country's largest garment technology exhibition.

The four-day exhibition, jointly organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), commenced today at the Expo Village of International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB).

The inauguration ceremony was attended by Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP Standing Committee Member and former Minister of Commerce, as the chief guest. 

Special guests included NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA. Other distinguished guests were FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, BGMEA Acting President Salim Rahman, and Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) chairman Abdul Hai Sarker.

Speaking at the event, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said Bangladesh has already secured a strong position in the global apparel market, but sustaining this growth will require moving beyond labour-intensive production. 

"To remain competitive, the industry must embrace technological advancement, smart manufacturing, and environmentally sustainable solutions," he added.

Skill development of the workforce must also be prioritised through coordinated efforts by both the government and the private sector, he noted.

He also said, "The global market for packaging is enormous, but Bangladesh is an over-regulated country for doing business, which makes entrepreneurship extremely difficult. At the same time, a group of corrupt business oligarchs has emerged under political patronage. We want to ensure a level playing field for all businesses."

"Today, packaging often attracts more attention than the product itself. Consumers are increasingly influenced by packaging when making purchasing decisions, which makes it a highly promising sector," he added.

"If Bangladesh's garment sector can achieve exports worth $50 billion, the packaging industry also has the potential to reach $50 billion in exports, provided proper attention and policy support are given," he said.

GTB 2026 showcases a wide range of state-of-the-art garment machinery, accessories, packaging solutions, yarn, and fabrics, creating significant opportunities for local manufacturers to access advanced technologies under one roof.

Alongside GTB 2026, two other major exhibitions are being held concurrently: GAPExpo 2026, the largest garments, accessories, and packaging exhibition in Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Yarn Fabrics & Accessories 2026.

More than 450 brands from over 15 countries are participating in the exhibition, displaying their products across 1,500 booths, making it the largest garment technology event in the country.

Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, Managing Director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd said technological transformation is no longer optional for Bangladesh's garment industry.  'GTB provides a unique platform where entrepreneurs can explore the latest global innovations and directly source technologies best suited for their factories, helping them enhance efficiency and sustainability,' he said.

Over the past 22 years, GTB has established itself as the most preferred platform for sourcing cutting-edge sewing, finishing, embroidery machinery, and spare parts from leading global technology providers.

Meanwhile, GAPExpo remains the sole and largest exhibition dedicated exclusively to garments, accessories, and packaging for BGAPMEA members. The exhibition will remain open to visitors from today, 14 January, to 17 January, daily from 11am to 7pm.