The four day long 19th Textech Bangladesh International Expo began at International Convention City Basahundhara (ICCB) in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Conference and Exhibition Management Services Ltd (CEMS-Global) is presenting the expo along with two others at the same venue- the 14th Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show, and 33rd Dye+Chem Bangladesh Expo. The exhibitions will run from September 12-15, and is open from 10am to 7:30pm.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the expos, Speaker of the National Parliament Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury said: “There has been a revolution in the Bangladeshi garment industry, due to newly formulated regulations and work plans by the government. Bangladesh, for the first time in its history, has become eligible for graduation to developing country status under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.”
“All our sectors are gradually flourishing thanks to necessary policies enacted by the government. We will earn $60 billion from exports by 2021,” she added, urging the international community to increase investment in Bangladesh.
The parliamentary speaker further said Bangladesh’s RMG sector has generated goodwill in global markets due to improvements in safety and quality standards.
Along with chief guest Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla was in attendance at the inauguration as special guest. State Minister for the Bangladesh Ministry of Textiles and Jute Mirza Azam, FBCCI President Shafiul Alom Mohiuddin, BGMEA Vice-Presidents Md Nasir and Fazlee Shamim Eshan, ICC President Rudra Chatterjee, and President and Group Director of CEMS Global Meherun N Islam were also present.
Addressing the inauguration, High Commissioner Harsh Vardhan Shringla said: “The Bangladeshi garment sector plays a leading role in the country’s economy. India exports various machinery and raw materials to Bangladesh. The economies of the two countries will grow stronger with the ties of friendship between them.”
According to the Indian high commissioner, India is one of the biggest sources of raw materials and machinery for the Bangladesh readymade garment (RMG) industry, and a large part of India’s exports to Bangladesh consist of inputs for the industry. “Around one fourth of Bangladesh’s demand for raw cotton and yarn is met by Indian suppliers.”
He added that Bangladesh’s RMG exports to India have seen a substantial increase since the country was given duty free quota access to the Indian market in 2011.
“India is now emerging as one of the fastest growing markets for Bangladesh’s garment exporters,” Shringla said.
Around 1,250 companies from 25 countries are participating at the Textech Bangladesh expo, with 1,500 booths. The latest products and technology for the textile and garment industry are being showcased at the expo.
When asked why they were attending the expo, Xiamen Etong Corduroy and Denim Exporting Co Ltd Managing Director Linda Zhuagn told Dhaka Tribune: “We have been taking part in the exhibition from 2007. We earned $8million dollars from the expo in 2017, and $6 million in 2016.”
“Bangladesh is a huge market for China. We expect to earn $9 millon from the expo this year,” she added.
Those who wish to visit the expo may register online at www.e-registrations.com.
