PHOTO: STAR/FILE

STAR BUSINESS REPORT

Leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) yesterday sought cooperation from the Chinese investors for joint-venture investment in manmade fibre (MMF), chemical and renewable energy.

The request was made during a meeting between the BGMEA officials and a visiting Chinese delegation held at the BGMEA office in Dhaka.

China, the largest garment exporter globally, currently holds over 30 percent of the international garment market, though its share has declined in recent years.

The country is also the largest supplier of MMF products and is exploring alternative production destinations in other countries to reduce costs.

At the meeting, Inamul Haq Khan, senior vice-president of BGMEA, said Bangladesh is focusing on technology upgrades, advanced machinery, and MMF-based production to remain competitive in global markets.

He urged Chinese investors to explore joint ventures in MMF textiles, chemicals, and renewable energy, which he said would reduce costs and shorten lead times for apparel exporters.

Khan also highlighted cooperation opportunities in AI-driven manufacturing, integrated supply chain systems, 3D photo production, and digital product passports as critical for Bangladesh’s post-LDC graduation challenges.

BGMEA Director Faisal Samad emphasised the need for frequent engagement between businesses of both countries, proposing a coordination meeting in January supported by Betttex Industries.

He also suggested signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) to enhance collaboration in education and research.

Samad noted that since Bangladesh imports a significant volume of fabrics from China, business disputes occasionally arise.

Having a Chinese law firm available for dispute resolution, he said, would benefit companies on both sides by providing a reliable platform for settling commercial issues.

The Chinese delegation expressed interest in joint investments in renewable energy and other emerging sectors.

They also invited BGMEA leaders to visit major fabric-manufacturing hubs in China and agreed to meet again in January.

Key members of the Chinese delegation included information technology (IT) and supply chain specialists Yi Shanwei, chairman of Weihai Bettex, and Yi Ran, project manager; Luo Fei, chairman of Beijing Mofeng Technology; and Gao Bin, president of Nanjing Zhiyi Network Technology.

From the textile and fabrics sector, attendees included Shen Hanxin, CEO of Fast Powder; Luan Rundong, executive director of Changzhou Jinhe Investment; and Quan Shouli, general manager of Suzhou Youwo Rui New Materials Technology.

Currently, China remains Bangladesh’s largest source of imported raw materials, including fabrics, chemicals, and accessories for export-oriented garment items.

Many Chinese investors are exploring opportunities in Bangladesh due to higher US tariffs on Chinese products, while global brands are increasingly relocating some work orders from China to countries such as Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, and Myanmar to reduce production costs and mitigate supply chain risks.