BTMA, BGMEA sign MoU to boost exports to $100 billion

Export cargo

Dhaka, Aug 4 — Two apex trade bodies representing the country’s primary textile and ready-made garment (RMG) sectors signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday to jointly organize an international exhibition to promote automation, eco-friendly technologies, and innovation.

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) signed the agreement in Dhaka to showcase the nation's major foreign exchange-earning sector on the global stage. BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell and BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan signed the document on behalf of their respective organizations.

Under the agreement, the two organizations will jointly organize the ‘Bangladesh International Textile and Apparel Machinery Exhibition (BITMA)’ in partnership with an internationally renowned event organizer. The expo will feature cutting-edge automation, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, advanced technology, and sustainable fashion trends.

The initiative aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Bangladesh's textile and apparel sector, accelerate technological modernization, and expand into new markets to help achieve the country's $100 billion garment export target.

To ensure effective management, strategic oversight, and financial transparency, a 10-member Joint Organizing Committee will be formed, featuring equal representation of five members from each association. The leadership will feature a rotational chairmanship, where BTMA will nominate the Chairman, and BGMEA will nominate the Co-Chairman for the first year.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell described the RMG and textile industries as "two sides of the same coin," highlighting that the MoU creates a permanent platform for technological transformation, foreign investment, and skills development.

He added that bringing global technology suppliers directly to Dhaka would give local manufacturers a competitive edge.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan emphasized that the initiative will help Bangladesh stay at the forefront of the global AI and green technology revolution in the apparel sector.

He stated that the joint effort would support the production of high-value products and strengthen Bangladesh's image as a trusted hub for ethical and eco-friendly manufacturing.

The event was attended by former presidents, office bearers, board members, and former directors from both organizations, including former BTMA President A. Matin Chowdhury, former BGMEA President and current BCI President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury (Parvez), former BTMA Vice President Abdullah Al Mamun, and BGMEA Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman. - UNB