The Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association on Sunday urged the government to prioritise the accessories and packaging industries alongside the garment sector to tackle challenges anticipated after Bangladesh鈥檚 LDC graduation in 2026.
BGAPMEA president Md Shahriar made the demand at a press confarence held at La Vinci Hotel in Dhaka.
Bangladesh鈥檚 apparel would lose its duty free market access to major destinations, including the European Union and other key markets, following the country鈥檚 scheduled graduation from the least developed country status in November 2026.
Shahriar said that various studies were being conducted on the garment sector at all levels, both public and private, to identify potential problems in garment exports and to solve them.
鈥楨qual attention must be given to the garment accessories and packaging industries, as the sub-sector is integral to the sector鈥檚 overall success,鈥� he said.
It is essential to identify potential issues in these areas and develop comprehensive plans to address them proactively, Shahriar said.
The press confarence was organised on the eve of two concurrent tradeshows 鈥� Garment Technology Tradeshow in Bangladesh 2025 and International Garment Accessories and Packaging Expo 2025.
The four-day trade shows on garment machinery and allied products are set to commence on January 8 at the International Convention City Bashundhara in Dhaka. These events aim to showcase cutting-edge technology and products related to the apparel industry, including garments accessories and packaging goods.
Jointly organised by ASK Trade and Exhibition Pvt Limited and BGAPMEA, the trade shows will feature 500 exhibitors from 25 countries, including India, Bangladesh, China, Japan, South Korea, and Germany, presenting their latest innovations across various stages of production.
The BGAPMEA president said that some 2100 BGAPMEA members produce聽 over 60 items locally for export-oriented apparel industry and made deemed export worth of $6.87 billion in the last fiscal year while they also make direct export of $1.0 billion.
He said that GAPEXPO played a crucial role in introducing the sector and connecting it with potential buyers.
Shahriar said that that currently, 15 to 20 per cent of orders have shifted to competing countries, primarily due to the prevailing law and order situation.聽
However, he expressed confidence that buyers would return as the situation improves, citing their trust in Bangladesh.聽
Shahriar also mentioned that one of his buyers, Target Australia, has redirected some orders to India.
The conference was attended by ASK Trade and Exhibitions Ltd director Nanda Gopal, managing director Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, and others.聽
The expo, which will conclude on January 11, will feature two seminars on its second day.
