Denim expo focuses on building industry capacity post-LDC
The two-day event, set to conclude tomorrow (14 May), features 57 exhibitors from 13 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Vietnam, UAE, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA
The Bangladesh Denim Expo concluded on Tuesday (13 May), placing a strong emphasis on equipping the denim industry for the country's upcoming graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status.
The two-day event, held in Dhaka, brought together 57 exhibitors from 13 countries, spotlighting innovation, sustainability, and capacity building as key strategies for navigating the post-LDC era.
The 18th edition of the expo drew participants from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Spain, Italy, Vietnam, UAE, Germany, Switzerland, and the USA.
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Addressing the event, Mostafiz Uddin, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo, stressed Bangladesh's continued relevance in the global apparel market, despite rising trade challenges. "Bangladesh has emerged as the fastest-growing apparel exporter to the United States in the first quarter of 2025, recording a year-on-year growth of 26.64%," he noted.
"Bangladesh has emerged as the fastest-growing apparel exporter to the United States in the first quarter of 2025, recording a year-on-year growth of 26.64%"
He highlighted that, amid an increasingly volatile US market shaped by new reciprocal tariffs under the Trump administration, Bangladesh's focus on skill development, innovation, and sustainability must serve as leverage in future trade negotiations. "We need our trade partners as much as their consumers need us," he added.
Currently, Bangladesh enjoys duty-free access to the European Union under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative and the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP).
However, with its official transition to developing country status slated for next year, those privileges may cease unless the country secures GSP Plus benefits. From 2029, Bangladesh may no longer enjoy duty-free access to the EU, which currently receives over half of its apparel exports.
Mostafiz Uddin said this edition of the expo marks a shift from planning to implementation.
"While the previous edition focused on discussions around LDC graduation, this one is focused entirely on capacity building to equip our workforce and industry to thrive in a new trade environment."
A notable presentation, "The Denim Business Beside Sewing and Wash Production," was delivered by Mohammad Jahangir Alam, Head of Operations (Garment Unit) at Square Denims Ltd.
Two key panel sessions were hosted during the event. Well of Washing Director Abdus Samad, Ruhrose RBT Ltd Co-founder and Creative Director Arief Labu, The Woolmark Company Processing Innovation and Education Extension General Manager Julie Davies, Bitopi Group Chief Operating Officer (Washing) Kamal Uddin Mia, Bluesign Technologies AG Head of Sales (Europe and Africa) Marco Volpi, Pure Chemicals owner Md Forhad Hossain, LC Waikiki Business Manager Raquib Imtiaz, Vertex Wear Ltd Head of Operations Reza e Rabbi; and Designer Fashion Ltd and Designer Wash Ltd CEO Shohel Rana shared their expertise at the event.
The expo also featured a fashion trend zone, highlighting cutting-edge denim technologies and sustainable fabric innovations developed in Bangladesh.
