Pakistan could meet its growing demand for raw materials in the recycling industry by importing textile waste from Bangladesh’s garment sector, as well as jute fibre, in a move that promises mutual economic benefit, stakeholders from both countries have stated.

‘Pakistan can address the increasing needs of its recycling industry by importing textile waste from Bangladesh,’ said Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), on Sunday.

Speaking at a courtesy meeting with the Charge d’Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission, Muhammad Wasif, at the BGMEA’s office in Uttara, Dhaka, Babu also highlighted Bangladesh’s role as the world’s largest jute-producing country.

‘There is significant demand for Bangladeshi jute fibre in Pakistan. If Pakistan imports it, the trade will be beneficial for both countries,’ he said.

The meeting was attended by Trade and Investment Attaché of the Pakistan High Commission Zain Aziz, BGMEA Vice President Md Rezwan Selim, and BGMEA Directors Faisal Samad, Sumaiya Islam and Fahima Akhter.

Discussions during the meeting centred on strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties, particularly within the textile and garment sectors.

Both countries acknowledged the potential for enhanced cooperation, noting Pakistan’s strong global position in textile production and Bangladesh’s prominence in readymade garment (RMG) manufacturing.

The leaders discussed increasing Pakistan’s textile exports to Bangladesh, as well as expanding Bangladesh’s exports of RMG products and garment accessories to the Pakistani market.

Bangladesh’s growing capabilities in producing high-quality garment accessories were also underscored as a key area of opportunity.

Both parties expressed a commitment to deepening trade relations through knowledge sharing, reciprocal business delegations, and joint participation in exhibitions and workshops.

They further discussed the effective implementation of the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the BGMEA and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA), aimed at enhancing trade and collaboration.

BGMEA president emphasised that active involvement from businesses on both sides would be crucial in turning the MoU into a practical framework for increased economic cooperation.

To facilitate continued progress, both sides agreed to designate focal points to drive forward efforts and ensure more structured and effective engagement in trade and investment between the two South Asian nations.