Bangladesh and Vietnam will collaborate on apparel development and reaping mutual trade benefits.

The two countries also have had discussions about possible avenues of working together to unlock their mutual trade potential through meaningful collaboration and seizing the opportunities that lie ahead.They lay emphasis on the exchange of experience and expertise in the apparel industry of Bangladesh and Vietnam.

Bangladesh has been strongly focusing on diversifying from low-priced basic apparel items to high-end products, especially manmade fiber-based garments, in which Vietnam has vast experience and could share its expertise. On the other hand, Bangladesh has made exemplary strides in the areas of workplace safety and environmental sustainability that could be shared with Vietnam.

The countries have expressed interest in facilitating sharing of knowledge and expertise in the apparel and textile industry through collaboration between Bangladesh University of Fashion and Technology and Vietnamese apparel trade associations and fashion institutes. Interactions between designers and technical experts through exchange of faculties and students are expected to develop knowledge and skills and benefit both countries.

Export-import activities between Bangladesh and Vietnam faced a sharp decline in 2020, thanks to the Covid pandemic. Now, both nations have realised that there is a large untapped potential in the domain of bilateral trade, which can unleash a plethora of opportunities.