The country鈥檚 readymade garment manufacturers could export high-value and trendy RMG items to Japan as they have shown a keen interest to source more high-value RMG items, said the exporters.
They also said that with Bangladesh鈥檚 growing capacity for high-value production, Japanese buyers now have increased confidence in the country as a sourcing destination.
A delegation from the Japan Textile Importers Association expressed their interest during a meeting with the leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association on Monday evening.
According to a press release issued by the BGMEA, the discussions centred on ways to enhance bilateral trade, particularly through expanding garment exports from Bangladesh to Japan.
BGMEA president Mahmud Hasan Khan said Bangladesh鈥檚 garment industry is now strategically focused on market diversification, identifying Japan as a highly important and promising market.
鈥楾he apparel sector is moving beyond basic cotton-based items to synthetic and technical textiles, aiming to shift the product mix towards the high-value segment,鈥� he said, urging Japanese buyers to increase their sourcing from Bangladesh.
The Japanese delegation praised Bangladesh鈥檚 achievements in ensuring social and environmental compliance, as well as efforts to improve worker safety and welfare.
The meeting also addressed issues related to supply chain efficiency.
The JTIA representatives said that Japanese buyers attach utmost importance to short lead times and suggested simplifying Bangladesh鈥檚 customs procedures and enhancing the operational efficiency of the Chattogram port to facilitate smoother trade.
The BGMEA leaders urged the delegation鈥檚 cooperation in easing the visa process for Bangladeshi businesspeople travelling to Japan.
In response, the JTIA representatives assured that they would raise the issue with relevant Japanese authorities.
The BGMEA also sought data and research on international market trends from the JTIA to support strategic planning for export diversification.
The two sides also discussed the potential impact of Bangladesh鈥檚 LDC graduation in 2026, including tariff implications in key export markets.
The BGMEA president urged Japan, through the JTIA, to consider extending duty-free market access for Bangladesh even after graduation, possibly under a mutually beneficial framework such as an Economic Partnership Agreement or Preferential Trade Agreement.
The JTIA delegation included representatives from top Japanese apparel brands where BGMEA vice presidents and directors were also present at the meeting.
