Packaging Sector Could Outpace RMG with Supportive Policies

Former commerce and home minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury speaks at the closing ceremony of Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) 2026 in Dhaka.

Industry experts and business leaders have urged the government to adopt business-friendly and consistent policies to help build a sustainable packaging sector, saying it has the potential to overtake the readymade garment (RMG) industry in export earnings.

The call came at the closing ceremony of Garment Technology Bangladesh (GTB) 2026, held at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital.

Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) President Md Shahriar said unethical individuals involved in money laundering had damaged the financial system by posing as businessmen, stressing that genuine entrepreneurs do not plunder a country’s wealth.

Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Showkat Aziz Russell highlighted the importance of self-reliance, noting that Bangladesh has already achieved self-sufficiency in garments accessories and packaging. However, he warned that certain policy decisions were now pushing the sector towards decline.

He cautioned that allowing 100 percent duty-free “free of cost” imports could lead to complete dependence on foreign products, threatening the survival of local factories. He also called for lowering excessive port charges and levies to improve the competitiveness of domestic manufacturers.

Speaking as chief guest, former commerce and home minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury said the sector’s growth and capacity were evident, adding that exports of garments accessories and packaging reached $7.45 billion in the last fiscal year. With proper policy support, he said, the sector could eventually surpass the RMG industry.

He also said the BNP would stand beside entrepreneurs and work to address the sector’s challenges if it forms the next government.

Bangladesh Employers’ Federation President Fazle Shamim Ehsan attended the programme as a special guest.

The four-day event, the country’s largest garment technology exhibition, was jointly organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt Ltd and the BGAPMEA. As part of export diversification efforts, the 15th Garments Accessories and Packaging Expo (GAPEXPO) featured 350 member and non-member companies across 1,500 stalls.

Companies from several countries, including India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia, Germany and Dubai, showcased machinery, raw materials, and locally produced garments accessories and packaging products. Organisers said the expo drew more than 100,000 visitors and helped create strong business linkages, with eight stalls receiving awards on the final day for excellence in presentation.