The global apparel trade is undergoing a significant shift, and Bangladesh is presented with a key opportunity to propel its premier industry to greater heights. With China’s share in the US apparel market currently on the wane due to trade tensions and rising costs, Bangladesh has emerged as a key beneficiary, steadily increasing its exports. However, this advantage will only be sustainable if the country moves beyond its reliance on low-cost labour and embraces technological advancement and sustainable practices.
As things stand, Bangladesh’s success in the global RMG arena has been built on competitive pricing mostly as a result of our cheap labour. But as global buyers demand faster turnaround times, higher quality, and ethical production, the industry must invest in more advanced technologies and incorporate sustainable practices into the industry’s overall production pipeline. The global fashion industry is increasingly prioritizing sustainability, and Bangladesh must align itself with this shift. While the country has made strides in green factories -- with the highest number of LEED-certified garment plants in the world -- more must be done.
Capitalizing on the opportunity presented by China’s decreasing market share will require policy support, the government and private sector must collaborate on policies that incentivize technological upgrades. Tax breaks for automation imports, subsidies for renewable energy adoption, and partnerships with international tech firms can accelerate progress. Additionally, vocational training programs should be expanded to upskill workers for high-tech manufacturing roles, ensuring the workforce evolves alongside the industry.
While RMG is still the engine of our economy, other promising manufacturing industries will also require policy support of appropriate scale. The end goal for Bangladesh’s export sector has always been diversification of goods, and we must not lose sight of this goal in the face of further RMG progress.
Bangladesh must act decisively -- leveraging its existing market foothold while investing in innovation and sustainability. The RMG sector has been the backbone of the economy for decades; now is the time to future-proof it.
