A delegation from Cotton USA engaged in a fruitful meeting with Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), on the 30th of May. 

The objective of the meeting was to discuss potential collaborations that could foster trade opportunities benefiting both sides.

The delegation included William R. Bettendorf, Director of Supply Chain Marketing and South Asia; Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, Director of European Brands and Retailers; and Ali Arsalan, Bangladesh Consultant for Cotton USA. 

According to a press release, Tanvir Ahmed, Director of BGMEA, was also present at the meeting held at BGMEA Complex.

The discussion’s focal point revolved around how both organizations could collaborate to facilitate increased trade between Bangladesh and the United States, specifically in the apparel and cotton sectors.

President Faruque Hassan highlighted the significant opportunity for mutual trade growth created by removing the mandatory fumigation requirement for US cotton imported by Bangladesh. 

He emphasized that this change would reduce time, hassle, and costs for Bangladeshi importers, streamlining the process of importing cotton from the USA.

He urged the US government to consider granting duty-free access to garments made from US-imported cotton. Such a move would enable US importers to increase their clothing purchases from Bangladesh, generating benefits for both Bangladeshi RMG (Ready-Made Garments) exporters and US cotton growers.

Faruque Hassan also shared details of BGMEA’s upcoming initiative, the Bangladesh Apparel Summit, scheduled in the USA in October 2023. He requested the support of Cotton USA in organizing the event, specifically by inviting US cotton exporters and apparel buyers to participate.

Bangladesh is the second-largest cotton-importing nation globally, with 98% of the cotton required for its export-oriented RMG industry being imported. Meanwhile, the United States remains the leading cotton exporter on the international stage.