JETRO Strengthens Bond with Bangladesh’s Apparel Industry: Vows Closer Ties During BGMEA Visit

In a promising move to deepen trade relations, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has reinforced its commitment to Bangladesh’s booming garment industry during a high-level courtesy visit to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) headquarters in Dhaka.

The JETRO delegation, led by Yuji Ando, Chief Representative of JETRO Dhaka, met with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan to explore new avenues for collaboration, investment, and mutual growth. The meeting sent a clear message — Japan sees Bangladesh not only as a major sourcing destination but as a long-term strategic partner in the global textile and apparel value chain.

🤝 A Pledge for Partnership

During the meeting, both parties shared their strong intent to elevate trade and investment to new heights. President Faruque Hassan warmly welcomed the JETRO team and shared insights into Bangladesh’s transformation as a global RMG powerhouse, highlighting its world-class green factories, innovation in production, and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

He urged Japan to tap into Bangladesh’s thriving textile sector, noting that the two nations have enormous untapped potential to grow together.

JETRO’s Yuji Ando responded with enthusiasm, praising Bangladesh’s progress and resilience. He stressed JETRO’s readiness to act as a bridge for increasing Japanese investment in Bangladesh and fostering stronger business-to-business links. “With improved infrastructure and new economic zones, Bangladesh is becoming more attractive than ever,” Ando stated.

🇧🇩🤝🇯🇵 Focus Areas for Collaboration

The meeting highlighted key areas where Japan and Bangladesh can work hand-in-hand:

• Increased Japanese investment in Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector
• Technology and knowledge exchange to enhance efficiency and innovation
• Support for sustainability, lean manufacturing, and energy-efficient processes
• Strengthening supply chain logistics and export diversification
• Capacity building and skill development through training and technical assistance

JETRO expressed keen interest in helping Japanese companies explore sourcing and investment opportunities, especially from Bangladesh’s eco-friendly garment factories that meet top international standards.

🌏 A Vision for the Future

As Bangladesh works towards its Vision 2041 of becoming a developed nation, the partnership with Japan holds immense promise. The BGMEA-JETRO engagement is more than a diplomatic visit — it's a strong step toward creating a sustainable, future-ready trade ecosystem.

Both sides concluded the meeting on a high note, expressing hope for more impactful projects, joint initiatives, and a shared journey toward economic prosperity.

With JETRO’s renewed support, the gateway to the Japanese market looks more open than ever for Bangladesh’s garment exporters — signaling a new era of opportunity and collaboration.

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JETRO Reaffirms Deep Commitment to Strengthening Trade & Investment Ties with Bangladesh’s RMG Sector During Courtesy Visit to BGMEA

In a major diplomatic and trade milestone, the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has reaffirmed its commitment to boosting economic collaboration with Bangladesh, especially in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector — the backbone of Bangladesh’s export economy. The reaffirmation came during a high-profile courtesy visit to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in Dhaka, where key discussions took place about elevating the bilateral relationship to new heights.

A delegation from JETRO, led by Yuji Ando, Chief Representative of JETRO Dhaka, met with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan and senior board members to discuss deeper integration, enhanced trade partnerships, and investment opportunities between Japan and Bangladesh. The visit underscores Japan’s growing interest in Bangladesh’s globally recognized apparel sector, particularly as it transitions into a sustainable and innovation-driven industry.

 

🤝 A Landmark Meeting for Trade Growth

The meeting between JETRO and BGMEA leaders was not just a diplomatic formality — it was a strong step forward in aligning the goals of two economies that share a vision for long-term growth, sustainable development, and stronger global presence.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan welcomed the delegation with optimism and praised Japan’s consistent support over the years. He highlighted Bangladesh’s evolution from a basic garment producer to a leader in sustainable and ethical manufacturing. He mentioned that Bangladesh now boasts the highest number of LEED-certified green garment factories in the world and is focusing on diversifying products, upgrading technology, and building skilled human capital.

“Bangladesh has made a transformational journey,” Hassan noted. “Now is the right time for Japan to increase sourcing and investment from Bangladesh’s high-performing apparel sector.”

 

🇯🇵 JETRO’s Assured Support & Long-Term Vision

In response, JETRO’s Chief Yuji Ando expressed admiration for Bangladesh’s resilience, especially in the face of global economic challenges. He reiterated that Japan views Bangladesh as a strategic ally in Asia’s textile value chain and confirmed JETRO’s dedication to facilitating stronger business connections between Japanese investors and Bangladeshi manufacturers.

“Bangladesh is an increasingly attractive destination for Japanese businesses,” said Ando. “From economic zones to upgraded ports and growing expertise in sustainable production — the opportunities are clear. JETRO is committed to supporting this journey.”

He further acknowledged the importance of reducing trade gaps, supporting technology transfers, and promoting Bangladesh in the Japanese business landscape through seminars, expos, and business matching platforms.

 

🔍 Key Areas of Collaboration Discussed

The meeting focused on several critical areas where Japan and Bangladesh can deepen their cooperation:

• Increased sourcing of RMG products by Japanese retailers from Bangladesh
• Facilitating Japanese investment in new and existing apparel production units
• Promoting lean manufacturing, automation, and energy efficiency
• Collaborating in skill development, training, and capacity building
• Improving logistics, infrastructure, and supply chain transparency
• Promoting Bangladesh as a sustainable manufacturing hub through global campaigns
• Knowledge exchange in textile technology, compliance, and waste management

Both sides agreed that creating a collaborative ecosystem would not only benefit economic interests but also contribute to environmental and social goals.

 

🌱 Sustainability at the Center of Trade Talks

With increasing global focus on sustainability, JETRO acknowledged the importance of Bangladesh’s green initiatives. Japan expressed keen interest in sourcing from Bangladesh’s eco-friendly garment factories, many of which are equipped with renewable energy solutions, water recycling systems, and internationally certified compliance practices.

BGMEA also proposed more cooperation in developing high-end technical textiles and circular fashion — areas where Japanese technology and innovation could play a transformative role.

 

🌏 Paving the Way for a Shared Prosperous Future

As Bangladesh eyes its transition to a developed country by 2041, the need for strong, strategic international partnerships is more vital than ever. The JETRO-BGMEA engagement highlighted the mutual understanding and trust between the two countries and the immense potential that remains untapped.

Both parties concluded the visit on a positive note with a shared commitment to:

✅ Promote bilateral trade missions and exhibitions
✅ Facilitate joint investment ventures in industrial parks and SEZs
✅ Organize training programs and industry workshops
✅ Encourage university-level collaboration in textile and business education
✅ Expand dialogue through policy platforms between governments and trade bodies

 

📢 Final Thoughts

JETRO’s reaffirmation of support is not just symbolic — it is a bold step towards a stronger economic partnership rooted in trust, sustainability, and mutual growth. With Japan’s advanced expertise and Bangladesh’s manufacturing excellence, the synergy between the two nations could reshape the dynamics of the global apparel industry.

The future looks promising as both Japan and Bangladesh prepare to unlock new opportunities through shared vision, strategic collaboration, and a common goal of inclusive prosperity.

Bangladesh is ready. Japan is interested. Together, they are setting the stage for a new chapter in global apparel trade.