Dhaka, Dec 8 (bdnews24.com) — One of the major goals of this year's Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition (or BATEXPO), the largest annual garments export fair of the country, is to increase export of garments to India alongside Europe and the US.
Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) chief Safiul Islam Mohiuddin on Thursday said he was part of a BGMEA delegation that recently visited India and got a good response.
"We had discussions with delegations of top Indian firms, including the Tatas," he told reporters ahead of the three-day fair starting Saturday.
The Indian government recently formed a policy to allow foreign direct investments (FDI) in retail sector (which, however, was put on hold on Wednesday), and given duty-free access to 46 Bangladeshi products, he said. "We want to use that opportunity," the BGMEA chief said.
Asked about demand of Bangladeshi readymade garments in India, he said details cannot be had without proper research. "But I can say the market is worth several billion dollars. It can increase if the government helps," he said.
According to Mohiuddin, of the 146 stalls at BATEXPO this year, 19 will be foreign ones, including three from India.
He hoped that the amount of spot order, which was worth $ 65 million in last year's fair, would increase in tandem with the number of buyers.
"The economies of Europe and the US, two of our major markets, are witnessing a slowdown. While export earnings (so far) remain positive, though a depression is feared after another," Mohiuddin said.
He hoped that exports to these markets in November-January would increase along with the demand.
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the fair, while BNP chief Khaleda Zia will be the chief guest at the closing ceremony.
Finance minister A M A Muhith, textiles minister Abdul Latif Siddique, local government minister Syed Ashraful Islam, commerce minister G M Quader, civil aviation and tourism minister Faruk Khan, industries minister Dilip Barua and shipping minister Shahjahan Khan will be special guests at the inauguration.
BNP acting secretary-general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, former industries and commerce minister M K Anwar, former education minister Osman Faruque and former commerce minister Amir Khosru Mahmud Choudhury will be special guests at the closing ceremony.
Three seminars will be held on the sidelines of the fair on the issue of duties to tackle challenges in the RMG sector. A cultural programme and a fashion show will also be held.
Source : bdnews24.com