Uruguay could serve as gateway for Bangladesh’s apparel exports to Mercosur: BGMEA
The BGMEA leaders further emphasised the need to simplify visa procedures to facilitate closer business ties
Uruguay could emerge as a key gateway for Bangladesh's readymade garment exports to the Mercosur market, the influential South American trade bloc, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
In a press release today (8 January), BGMEA said the issue was discussed when Uruguay's Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alberto Guani, visited the association today.
BGMEA leaders expressed the view that Uruguay, in particular, could play a pivotal role as an entry point for Bangladeshi apparel into the wider Mercosur region.
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They also noted that Bangladesh could strengthen its presence in Latin American markets by diversifying its products through the import of wool from Uruguay.
The BGMEA leaders further emphasised the need to simplify visa procedures to facilitate closer business ties.
During the meeting, the Uruguayan ambassador expressed interest in increasing apparel imports from Bangladesh and proposed exporting Uruguay's world-class, traceability-certified wool to Bangladesh.
Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan, honorary consul of Uruguay in Bangladesh, said Uruguayan Merino wool carries internationally recognised traceability certification, which could help Bangladeshi garment manufacturers become more competitive in the global market.
Both sides also discussed the need for a free trade agreement (FTA) between Bangladesh and the Mercosur bloc to address challenges following Bangladesh's graduation from least developed country (LDC) status.
BGMEA Director Sumaiya Islam said that if Bangladesh imports wool from Uruguay as a raw material and, in return, secures preferential treatment for Bangladeshi apparel exports under an FTA, the garment industry would benefit significantly.
The participants noted that a trade agreement with Mercosur would be mutually beneficial by expanding bilateral trade. In particular, Uruguay's efficient ports and advanced transport infrastructure could enable Bangladeshi exporters to supply apparel more easily across the entire Mercosur region.
