The 20th edition of Bangladesh Denim Expo began at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital on Wednesday with the theme “Frontline to Future.”
The two-day expo brings together global industry stakeholders to chart the course of Bangladesh’s denim and apparel sector amid rapidly evolving economic and trade dynamics, according to a press release.
18th Bangladesh Denim Expo kicks off
The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Luthmela Farid, director of Pacific Jeans; Mohiuddin Rubel, managing director of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange and former director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA); Javier Santonja Olcina, regional head (Bangladesh and Pakistan) of Inditex; Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of BGMEA; Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh; and Mostafiz Uddin, founder & CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo.
In his speech, Ambassador Michael Miller underscored the European Union’s perspective on Bangladesh’s evolving economic journey.
“The way the European Union looks at Bangladesh is that we see it entering a new phase of its economic journey. The challenge now is to create decent jobs, skill the workforce, attract high-quality investments to move up value chains, help diversify the economy, ensure a clean energy transition, and prepare effectively for graduation from least developed country status,” he said.
“We hope to see a bold, sustainability-driven vision in the budget – one that aligns with the European Union’s expectations for the creation of a level playing field for our operators and that takes decisive steps to improve the business environment,” Miller added.
He also announced a significant diplomatic development, noting that he had transmitted an invitation from the European Commission President to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to attend the next Global Gateway Summit in Brussels.
Miller further noted that the EU is currently assessing Bangladesh’s request for a free trade agreement, building on the recently initiated Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to a reinforced economic partnership with Bangladesh.
BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable position in global denim trade while sounding a clear note of caution regarding the country’s impending Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation.
“Bangladesh is today the largest exporter of denim to both the EU and the United States — ahead of China. We must acknowledge that Bangladesh Denim Expo has played a meaningful role in this journey. It is not the only factor, but it is an important one,” he said.
“We are approaching LDC graduation. This is being discussed in every boardroom and every policy meeting in Dhaka. Our position at BGMEA is clear: the preferences we currently enjoy will change after graduation. If we are not prepared, the industry will feel it. RMG is currently the biggest beneficiary of preferential access. In the post-LDC era, without the right trade arrangements in place, the apparel industry risks becoming the biggest loser,” Mahmud Hasan said.
Two panel discussions, titled “Negotiating the Future: Trade Agreements and Bangladesh Apparel in the Post-LDC Era” and “Stitching the Future: Just Transition in Bangladesh’s Apparel Industry,” were held on the first day of the expo.
Besides, a dedicated Trend Zone has been set up at the expo to showcase the latest denim innovations and emerging trends shaping the future of the global denim industry.
The exposition will end on Thursday.