TBT DESK: The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh (OCAB) have discussed expanding Chinese investment and technological collaboration to strengthen Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry, with a focus on sustainable manufacturing, productivity enhancement and backward linkage development.

The discussions took place at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on Saturday, where both sides exchanged views on promoting joint investment, facilitating technology transfer and addressing regulatory challenges to attract greater Chinese participation in Bangladesh's apparel sector, according to a BGMEA press release.

BGMEA Senior Vice-President Enamul Haque Khan chaired the meeting. Vice-Presidents Md Rezoan Selim, Vidya Amrit Khan and Md Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, along with directors Faisal Samad, Shah Raid Chowdhury, Nafis-Ud-Doula and Rumana Rashid, also attended.

The 13-member OCAB delegation was led by its President, Felix Chang Y C, and included Vice-Presidents Andy Chan, Cliff Ren, Lisa Lu, and Joel Wong, Deputy Secretary General Jessie Yu, and Executive Director Steven Zhang.

The two sides identified four priority areas for future cooperation: expanding direct Chinese investment and joint ventures in the RMG and backward linkage industries, facilitating the acquisition of closed factories, simplifying customs and bonded warehouse procedures, and promoting circular fashion, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and automation to enhance industrial competitiveness.

During the meeting, the Chinese delegation expressed interest in participating in Bangladesh's emerging carbon trading market. It also proposed introducing an exchange programme under which outdated jacquard knitting machines used in the sweater industry could be replaced with modern equipment.

However, OCAB representatives said customs-related complexities and administrative delays remain major obstacles to implementing such initiatives.

BGMEA leaders assured the delegation that they would engage with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and relevant ministries to help resolve regulatory bottlenecks. They also proposed creating an effective platform to facilitate partnerships between local entrepreneurs and Chinese investors.

The BGMEA representatives said the association is actively promoting circular economy practices, renewable energy adoption and sustainable manufacturing, adding that increased Chinese investment and technological support could further strengthen Bangladesh's competitiveness in the global apparel market.

They also noted that the country's garment industry is increasingly shifting towards high-value-added and sustainable products to meet changing global demand.

OCAB President Felix Chang praised the achievements of Bangladesh's apparel industry and reaffirmed the association's commitment to supporting fresh investment and continued technical cooperation in the sector.