The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has assured the country’s knitwear manufacturers of looking into their demands including an increase in export volume to the oil-rich Gulf country. UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Dr Saeed Bin Hajar Al Shehi gave the assurance on Wednesday when a five-member delegation of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), led by its acting president A H Aslam Sunny, met him at his office. Various issues regarding knitwear export to the UAE from Bangladesh were discussed at the meeting, a statement said. Mr Aslam Sunny informed the ambassador about the latest developments in knitwear businesses between the two countries. He said the UAE now imports knitwear worth $3.50 billion a year from various countries across the world. “Bangladeshi manufacturers may tap the huge opportunity in the UAE’s knitwear market as the local manufacturers export goods valued at $100 million only at present,” he said. He also said the demand for diversified attires in the UAE will continue for a long period since 62 per cent of its total population are young and middle-aged. The BKMEA is trying to expand its market in the Middle Eastern countries following a guideline of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Mr Aslam Sunny pointed out. The BKMEA acting president proposed to the ambassador to allow a Bangladesh delegation to visit the UAE for holding meetings with concerned ministries and trade bodies. He also urged Mr Saeed Bin Hajar to ease visa regime for readymade garment exporters. The ambassador assured the BKMEA of looking into its demands. He also praised its role in developing knitwear manufacturing in the country. Top office-bearers of the Association including its director Mostafa Jamal Pasha were present during the discussion.
