BGMEA President Faruque Hassan called upon Li & Fung to increase sourcing garments, especially value-added products from Bangladesh. He also requested Li & Fung to explore avenues of how they could collaborate with their suppliers in developing high-end products including man-made fibre-based apparels, home textiles and other products, and source those products from Bangladesh. He made the request to Spencer Fung, Executive Chairman of Li & Fung, who paid a visit to BGMEA on November 23. Read more: BGMEA president briefs Moody's team on sector's outlook Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Press, Publication and Publicity Shovon Islam was also present at the meeting. During the meeting, they discussed various trade-related issues, including the global apparel market situation and Li & Fung’s plans of business expansion in Bangladesh. They also talked about how Li & Fung could collaborate with BGMEA to strengthen the capability of the Centre of Innovation, Efficiency and Occupational Health and Safety (CEOSH). Their discussions also included the possible scope of Li &Fung’s cooperation to develop the knowledge and skills of students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT). Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh is increasingly focusing on moving up the value chain by diversifying products and upgrading technologies. Read more: BGMEA president meets Russian ambassador Li & Fung could work together with their suppliers to develop innovative products and expand their business base in Bangladesh, he said.    

Apparels makers have discussed the prospect of exporting resort wear and leisure apparel to the Maldives. The small archipelagic state is a popular destination for global tourists where the demand for such clothing is very high. READ: Rebuilding partnership key to apparel value chain recovery: Speakers The issue was discussed Monday as Maldives High Commissioner Shiruzimath Sameer met with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan at the latter's office. BGMEA Vice-President Miran Ali was also present. READ: How Bangladesh can boost apparel exports They discussed the possible areas of cooperation between the Maldives and Bangladesh for enhancing bilateral trade.