The two-day “Bangladesh Denim Expo” ended here on Tuesday with a call to buyers to choose Bangladesh and pay a fair price.

Bangladesh Apparel Exchange hosted the expo titled “Bangladesh Denim Expo - Thriving the Denim industry through Innovation & Embracing the Future!” where over 60 exhibitors from 11 countries showcased their latest denim products, fabrics, accessories, chemicals, technologies etc.

Moreover, four panel discussions, two trend seminars were held where a list of internationally renowned panelists shared their knowledge.

Speaking as the chief guest, Textiles and Jute Minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak said, “As a safe and compliant sourcing hub, I request the buyers to choose Bangladesh and pay a fair price.”

He said the apparel industry is a crucial force for Bangladesh's progress economically. “I am confident that with the outcome of the RMG industry, Bangladesh will significantly progress into a developed country very soon.”

Mostafiz Uddin, founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) said, “The RMG Industry of Bangladesh continues to be a driving force behind the country’s economic growth and Bangladesh Denim Expo is on a mission to expand & evolve in the industry growth.”

Irma van Dueren, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, S.M. Mannan (Kochi), President of BGMEA, Siddiqur Rahman, former President of BGMEA, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President, BGMEA & Managing Director, Team Group; Ziaur Rahman, Regional Head, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ethiopia, H&M and Md Mohiuddin Rubel, additional Managing Director, Denim Expert Ltd. And Director, BGMEA also spoke.

Ambassador Dueren said, “Bangladesh has made impressive progress in economic development indicators. The RMG sector has been crucial to this progress. In the coming years, our focus on the sector will be more and more on sustainability and circular practices everywhere.”

Siddiqur Rahman said, “The infrastructural improvement that we see now is clearly spectacular. And I'm proud to say that much of it is contributed by the garments sector. I am confident that with the support of the government, the RMG industry can flourish even further.”

Mannan (Kochi) said, “We are now incorporating automation and becoming ready to acquire greater market share globally. We are making constant efforts in business sustainability, and we are optimistic that we can add even greater value in the coming years.”

Abdullah Hil Rakib said Bangladesh Denim Expo has always understood the product and materials and needs of the industry. “Together with inter-ministerial cooperation we can achieve sustainable progress in the industry.”

Ziaur Rahman, Regional Head, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ethiopia, H&M said that “Circularity is one of the areas where we really need to work. It's an untapped opportunity. Transparency is your next biggest best friend. If we want to lead this industry we need to focus on efficiency improvement, waste management, innovation and sustainability.”