A delegation from the Japan Textile Importers Association (JTIA) met with the President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Mahmud Hasan Khan. During the meeting, Japanese buyers expressed interest in importing high-end, stylish clothing from Bangladesh.
The discussion covered how both sides may cooperate to improve bilateral commerce, especially in boosting clothing exports from Bangladesh to Japan. According to the President of BGMEA, Bangladesh’s apparel industry is at present strategically focused on market diversification and Japan is still a very significant and promising market in this regard.
“The industry has been working with a strong commitment to move beyond basic cotton-based products towards synthetic fabrics and technical textiles, placing its product range in the higher-value segment,” he said.
He encouraged Japanese consumers to source more clothing from Bangladesh. The JTIA team commended Bangladesh’s efforts to ensure worker safety and welfare, the country’s development in social and environmental compliance and the expansion of its garment sector at the meeting.
They pointed out that Japanese consumers increasingly view Bangladesh as a reliable source for expensive and stylish goods due to the country’s increasing capacity to produce high-quality goods.
The conversation focused on ways to improve the supply chain’s efficiency and speed. In particular, the JTIA delegation stressed how important it is for Japanese consumers to import goods as soon as possible. They recommended streamlining Bangladeshi customs procedures and increasing Chattogram Port’s operational effectiveness in order to shorten lag times.
Additionally, BGMEA leaders asked the team to assist in streamlining the visa application process for Bangladeshi businesspeople visiting Japan. The delegation responded by promising to bring up the issue with the appropriate Japanese government officials. The BGMEA also asked the delegation to provide data and study on worldwide market trends.
The impact of US tariffs on garment exports and the possible ramifications of Bangladesh’s LDC graduation were amongst the other concerns pertaining to the clothing industry that were considered by both sides.
Through JTIA, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan formally asked the Japanese government to keep granting Bangladesh duty-free market access even after it graduates from LDC status in 2026. He noted that mutually beneficial structures like an EPA or PTA could guarantee such benefits.
