Commerce, Industries, and Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir on Thursday called for stronger Bangladesh-China cooperation to promote sustainable, environment-friendly and technology-driven growth in the country’s textile and apparel sector.

Speaking as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the three-day 2nd Bangladesh-China Green Textile Expo 2026 being held at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital, he said Chinese investment, technology and innovation are crucial to making Bangladesh’s textile and garment industries more competitive and sustainable.

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Muktadir said China’s experience in industrialisation, technological advancement and poverty reduction offers valuable lessons for Bangladesh.

He invited Chinese investors to make meaningful investments in Bangladesh to create a win-win situation for both countries.

Describing China as Bangladesh’s largest trading partner, the minister said increased Chinese foreign direct investment is needed to help reduce the bilateral trade gap.

He also called for Chinese investment in reviving closed state-owned mills and factories, modernising the jute sector, expanding renewable energy and promoting green industrialisation.

Muktadir noted that Bangladesh currently has the highest number of internationally certified green garment factories in the world, which reflects the environmental awareness of local entrepreneurs.

He said the efficient use of water, electricity and energy is essential to make the textile sector more sustainable and globally competitive.

The minister expressed hope that joint initiatives such as the Bangladesh-China Green Textile Expo will open new avenues for technology transfer, investment expansion and sustainable industrial development.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the event as a special guest.

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce & Industry President Mohd. Khorshed Alam, Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association President Abdul Hamid Pintu, Savor International Limited Managing Director Md Faizul Alam, Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh President Han Kun and Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh Vice President Lisa Lu were also present.

After the inauguration, the minister visited different stalls at the expo.

The three-day international exhibition, dubbed a specialised platform for the green textile industry, features leading textile and garment companies, investors, technologists and business representatives from Bangladesh and China.

The expo is open to visitors daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm and will conclude on May 16.