A delegation from Cotton USA met with Faruque Hassan, President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the BGMEA Complex, to deliberate on ways to boost trade between the two countries, particularly in the apparel and cotton sectors.
The Cotton USA team included William R Bettendorf, Director-Supply Chain Marketing and South Asia; Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, Director-European Brands and Retailers; and Ali Arsalan, Bangladesh Consultant. Tanvir Ahmed, Director, BGMEA was also present at the meeting.
The discussion focused on Bangladesh's decision to lift the mandatory fumigation rule for US cotton imports. Hassan opined, this change will create an opportunity for increased trade by reducing the time, hassle, and cost for Bangladeshi importers.
Hassan also appealed for support from Cotton USA to secure duty-free access for Bangladeshi garments made with US cotton. He argued, this would be a ‘win-win situation’ that benefits both Bangladeshi apparel exporters and US cotton growers by encouraging more US importers to buy clothing from Bangladesh.
Additionally, Hassan informed the delegation about the upcoming Bangladesh Apparel Summit, scheduled for October 2023 in the US. He asked Cotton USA for help in organizing the event by inviting US cotton exporters and apparel buyers.
This collaboration assumes importance as Bangladesh is the world's second-largest cotton importer, relying on imports for 98 per cent of the cotton needed for its ready-made garment (RMG) industry.
