The two-day, Bangladesh Denim Expo ended on Tuesday with a call to buyers to choose Bangladesh and pay fair price of locally produced apparel.

Bangladesh Apparel Exchange organized the 16 edition of the show at International Convention City, Basundhara (ICCB) in the city where over 60 exhibitors from 11 countries showcased their latest denim products, fabrics, accessories, chemicals, technologies etc.

Speaking as chief guest Jahangir Kabir Nanak, textiles and jute minister said “As a safe and compliant sourcing hub, I request the buyers to choose Bangladesh and pay a fair price.”

The apparel industry is a crucial force for Bangladesh’s progress economically, he said adding that he is confident that with the influence of the RMG industry, Bangladesh will significantly progress into a developed country very soon.

Irma van Dueren, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh said “Bangladesh has made impressive progress in economic development indicators.”

The RMG sector has been crucial to this progress, she said adding in the coming years, their focus on the sector will be more and more on sustainability and circular practices everywhere.

Former president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Siddiqur Rahman said “The infrastructural improvement that we see now is clearly spectacular. And I’m proud to say that much of it is contributed by the garments sector. I am confident that with the support of the government, the RMG industry can flourish even further.”

BGMEA president SM Mannan Kochi discussed that “We are now incorporating automation and becoming ready to acquire greater market share globally. We are making constant efforts in business sustainability, and we are optimistic that we can add even greater value in the coming years.”

“Bangladesh Denim Expo has always been understanding of the product and materials and needs of the industry. Together with inter-ministerial cooperation we can achieve sustainable progress in the industry,” Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President, BGMEA and Managing Director of Team Group said.

Regional Head, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Ethiopia at H&M Ziaur Rahman said “Circularity is one of the areas where we really need to work. It’s an untapped opportunity.”

“Transparency is your next biggest best friend. If we want to lead this industry we need to focus on efficiency improvement, waste management, innovation and sustainability,” he noted.

Mohiuddin Rubel, Additional Managing Director, Denim Expert Ltd and Mostafiz Uddin Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) also present there.