BKMEA chief claims foreign buyers avoiding Bangladesh over security fears, commerce adviser disagrees
The three-day Global Sourcing Expo, organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the Ministry of Commerce, is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center
Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), claimed today (1 December) that security concerns are discouraging foreign buyers from visiting the country, a claim disputed by Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Global Sourcing Expo in Purbachal, Dhaka, Hatem stated that a segment of foreign buyers is choosing not to visit Bangladesh, citing security concerns and political uncertainty.
Meanwhile, Bashir disagreed with the BKMEA president's assessment. Speaking to reporters after the event, he acknowledged that "negative messages about Bangladesh are being circulated internationally," an issue he noted Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus also addressed at the recent UN General Assembly.
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"There is no significant lack of security in Bangladesh," he said, adding that misinformation often circulates about many third-world countries, creating unnecessary fear.
He maintained, "But in our country, there is no major security deficiency that disrupts people's normal movement."
The adviser further pointed out that foreign buyers who do visit Bangladesh typically adhere to security protocols issued by their respective countries.
The three-day Global Sourcing Expo, organised by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and the Ministry of Commerce, is being held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center.
The event, which aims to showcase Bangladesh's export potential and strengthen international business relations, features 165 stalls, including 11 foreign companies.
Commerce Adviser Sk Bashir Uddin expressed hope for the expo's future, stating that while this is the first time the event is being held, the target is to organise it twice a year to boost global trade engagement.
