The Netherlands-based Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) has launched two programmes to improve environmental sustainability, social compliance and export readiness among Bangladesh's small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the home textiles and leather sectors.

The programmes, titled “Sustainable Home Textiles Bangladesh (2025–2030)” and “Bangladesh Leather x Decent Work (2025–2029),” were launched at the Bangladesh-Netherlands Sustainable Trade Forum 2026 in Dhaka on Wednesday.

The forum was organised by CBI, part of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO), under the commission of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Commerce, Industries, Textiles and Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir said the Netherlands could help cottage, micro, small and medium enterprises access the European market and explore new export opportunities.

Dutch Ambassador to Bangladesh Joris van Bommel described compliance requirements as an opportunity for businesses to improve standards and enter higher-value markets.

CBI Managing Director Judith Arends said the programmes would focus on workplace health and fire safety, fair working conditions, gender inclusiveness and workers' representation.

The home textiles programme will promote sustainable production through water management, natural dyeing and alternative materials, including three pilot initiatives on natural dyes, wastewater treatment and financing.

The leather programme will support small leather goods producers in improving workplace conditions and meeting European market requirements.

Bangladesh has around 11.7 million economic units employing 30.6 million people, while SMEs contribute an estimated 25 percent to GDP.

Around 170 representatives from government, businesses, financial institutions and development organisations attended the forum.