Addressing the 2nd Bangladesh-India Cotton Fest 2020, M Shahrair Alam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs said India can help Bangladesh double apparel exports over the next five years since it is a crucial player in the global cotton market. Alam highlighted, Bangladesh is one of the largest cotton importers in the world and imports 98 per cent of its cotton from 42 countries. India is ideally positioned to supply high quality cotton to Bangladesh at competitive prices with lower costs of transportation and easier access to supplier, he added.

Organized by Bangladesh Cotton Association (BCA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Indian Cotton Association (ICAL) and India-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IBCCI), the fest was attended by around 30 Indian companies. It was also attended by Salman F Rahman, PM Hasina’s adviser as the chief guest.