Bangladesh no longer just a volume player but a global hub for sustainable RMG products: Commerce secy

Being the second-largest apparel exporter, Bangladesh will continue to attract international interest with its high-quality, value-added manufacturing capabilities, Commerce Secretary Mahbubur Rahman said today (25 June).

"Bangladesh is no longer just a volume player — it's fast emerging as a global hub for sustainable, value-added apparel manufacturing. With strategic investment in innovation, compliance, and skilled workforce, the country is well-positioned to lead the next chapter of responsible fashion and textile sourcing," he said as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony of 16th edition of Intex Bangladesh Expo-2025 at the International Convention City Bashundhara.

The commerce secretary further said with RMG exports projected to exceed $56 billion by 2026, platforms like Intex play a critical role in fostering partnerships, diversifying supply chains, and showcasing innovation across the textile and apparel ecosystem.

Addressing the programme, Md Anwar Hossain, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau, said the trade ties between Bangladesh and many other countries, especially with India, is huge as India supplies huge quantities of cotton and other RMG related products which help to flourish our export.

Faisal Samad, managing director of Savartex Group said, "As we celebrate the success of our ready-made garments industry we are also at a crossroad. We are optimistic and at the same time cautious as we are set to graduate from the LDC country list."

The transition will bring opportunities as well as challenges especially in trade, compliance standards and market access, he said, adding, "To remain competitive in the global landscape, we must be ready to adopt new technologies which are showcased in the Intex Bangladesh exhibition."

Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Executive President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, said Intex Bangladesh is playing a crucial role as a sourcing event for RMG and apparel sector by exhibiting fiber, fabrics and modern equipment which will help our RMG sector to produce world-class products.

Presiding over the event, Rajesh Bhagat, chairman and managing director of Worldex India said, "In apparel and RMG sector, no country is self-sufficient as we don't produce everything we need. Which is why we are interlinked with each other.

The three-day long international textile sourcing expo is hosting over 125 companies from more than 10 countries, providing a dynamic platform for global buyers, suppliers, and manufacturers.