Snowtex eyes $150-160 million apparel export to France in next five years

Starting off as a modest buying house Snowtex Group has grown into one of Bangladesh's leading ready-made garments (RMG) exporters, and has now set its sights on an ambitious target — taking it apparel exports to France to $150 million within the next five years.

Md Tariqul Islam, assistant director for marketing and merchandising of Snowtex Group, said Bangladesh's apparel business with France surpassed $2.2 billion last year, with Snowtex alone contributing over $100 million. 

"Our goal is to raise it to $150–160 million within the next five years," he said while talking to reporters during the visit of the French Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet to Snowtex Outerwear Limited in Dhamrai's Dholivita area today (29 October).

The French envoy visited Snowtex Outerwear Limited and Snowtex Sportswear Limited — two state-of-the-art green factories employing around 20,000 workers and producing nearly 30 million outerwear pieces annually. 

"This is my first visit to a ready-made garment factory, and I'm very pleased," the French envoy said, expressing admiration for Bangladesh's manufacturing capacity.

He said French companies continue to invest in Bangladesh because of their confidence in the skill and dedication of Bangladeshi workers to produce high-quality apparel.

"There is a strong commitment to both product quality and workers' well-being, and what I have seen here is very promising for the continued development of France-Bangladesh trade relationship," the ambassador said, adding that France remains one of the largest importers of Bangladeshi ready-made garments.

Describing the ambassador's visit as a "great source of inspiration," Tariqul said it motivates them to excel.  "We are confident our collaboration with France will continue to grow," he said.

Snowtex Group specialises in outerwear, workwear, and sportswear — categories generally considered more complex and technically demanding than ordinary apparel items.

Since its first export to France in late 2014 — mainly outerwear such as jackets, sports, and hiking apparel — Snowtex has grown steadily. "Over the past few years, our annual growth in France has been 15–20%, reaching around $110–115 million annually," said Tariqul Islam.

"We are looking at offering competitive prices, and ensuring shorter lead times to expand our export volume to France," he added.

On environmental sustainability, Tariqul said eco-friendly factories are now essential to maintaining competitiveness in the European market amid evolving tariff structures. 

The facility provides a hygienic dining space, medical centres staffed with doctors and nurses, and modern recreational areas for workers. Over 12% of its total electricity consumption is met through solar energy, with surplus power supplied to the national grid during holidays. 

A Japanese sewage treatment plant ensures zero discharge of untreated waste, keeping the factory compliant with international environmental standards. 

Snowtex Outerwear Limited, a flagship subsidiary of Snowtex Group, recently received the 'Green Factory Award' for its sustainable practices.