Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) sought Germany’s support to retain its duty-free access to the European Union (EU) market after graduation from LDC status, a press release said Saturday.
The support was sought when a delegation of BGMEA headed by President Faruque Hassan along with Ambassador of Bangladesh to Germany Md. Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan met with Dr Bärbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary to the Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development in Berlin on June 3.
Other members of the BGMEA delegation were Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Barrister VidiyaAmrit Khan, Md. Imranur Rahman, NeelaHosnaAra and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud while Commercial Counsellor of Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin Md. Saiful Islam was also present.
They discussed possible scope ways of expanding Bangladesh’s trade with Germany and further deepening the relationship between the two countries.
They recognised the need for more cooperation and collaboration between Germany and Bangladesh to unlock trade and investment potential.
They sought Germany’s support in the continuation of duty-benefit for Bangladesh in the European Union for 10 years after the graduation from LDC to faciliate smoother transition.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan gave an overview of Bangladesh’s RMG industry including the current situation, opportunities, challenges and future priorities.
The RMG industry of Bangladesh is increasingly focusing on enhancing its capabilities particularly through technology upgradation, innovation and skills development, he said.
The industry is also laying more emphasis on apparel made from synthetic fibres to meet the rising demand in the global market, he added.
The BGMEA President said Bangladesh aims to increase the share of its apparel export to Germany and accordingly seeks DrBärbelKofler’s cooperation in this connection. Terming Germany as an invaluable development partner, he said there is potential of more cooperation to expand further in the coming years
