The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has formally entered a knowledge partnership with the Bangladesh–China Green Textile Expo 2026, scheduled for May 14–16 in Dhaka. This strategic alliance with the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) and Savor International Limited arrives at a critical juncture. As Bangladesh prepares for its LDC graduation in 2026, the industry faces a potential 30 per cent decline in EU exports if it fails to align with emerging ESG mandates, specifically the European Sustainability Reporting Standard (ESRS).
Industrial modernization and supply chain resilience
China currently anchors roughly 80 per cent of Bangladesh’s textile supply chain, providing the lion's share of machinery, man-made fibers (MMF), and chemical solutions. This partnership aims to transition that dependency into a collaboration for high-value growth. With global buyers increasingly demanding measurable carbon reductions, the expo will serve as a commercial bridge for the 240+ LEED-certified factories in Bangladesh to access next-generation Chinese water-efficiency and energy-saving systems.
Navigating fiscal headwinds and global compliance
The sector is currently navigating a complex fiscal landscape; RMG exports declined 2.63 per cent to $19.37 billion in H1, FY2025-26. To counteract this, industry leaders are prioritizing technical textiles and automation. Sajed Karim, Chairman-Trade Fair Committee, BGMEA, emphasized, this collaboration is less about volume and more about ‘future-ready’ manufacturing that can withstand tightening international environmental scrutiny.
BGMEA represents over 4,000 garment factories, driving 81.5 per cent of national export earnings. Under its ‘Sustainability Vision 2030,’ the association aims to reduce GHG emissions by 30 per cent and source 50 per cent of materials sustainably. Following a 9 per cent growth in FY24, the group is now focusing on transitioning from cotton to high-margin MMF apparel.
