A total of 23 local readymade garment (RMG) exporters are participating in the Apparel Sourcing Week in Bengaluru to increase apparel export to India. Apparel Resources at ITC Gardenia, Bengaluru organised the expo from Friday last, with support from Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), according to a statement. BGMEA President Md Siddiqur Rahman inaugurated the first edition of the week. Its Vice President Mohamed Nasir and Principal Secretary of Commerce and Industry, Government of Karnataka, Gaurav Gupta were also present at the inaugural function. Quoting the BGMEA president, the statement said, “India-Bangladesh relationship has grown stronger over the years and India, being a vital destination for garment exports, is already a very important development partner for us.” Readymade garments account for 84 per cent of Bangladesh’s total exports while India, on the other hand, boasts about upwardly mobile and sizeable middle-class that has significant buying power, he added. So, Bangladesh’s apparel manufacturing industry, one of the most sustainable ones in every aspect, could offer apparel to India at a very competitive price, he added. “Being a neighbouring country, we can leverage each other’s strengths and work together towards strengthening bilateral relations and business growth,” Mr Rahman said. Bengaluru is not only a major centre of technology but also a strong manufacturing hub, including apparel, Mr. Gaurav Gupta was quoted to have told the meeting. “Retail sector is also very strong here, and I am sure the platform of Apparel Sourcing Week would provide a win-win situation for brands and retailers while also offering new export opportunities for Bangladesh,” he added. Mutual cooperation and strong business relation between India and Bangladesh is the need of the time, he said. The platform that works for both exhibitors and retailers provided opportunity for business development, said Deepak Mohindra, Editor in-Chief of Apparel Resources on the occasion. Seminars, panel discussions, vendor workshops and open house are being held during the expo, touching all the key aspects of the booming Indian fashion retail sector, sourcing strategies, products, pricing and not to mention the core issues of business generation, networking and knowledge sharing, the statement added. Bangladesh and India share a long border and a number of land customs ports while having geographic advantage as well as a free trade agreement through SAFTA which came into effect in 2016, Mr Nasir said at a panel discussion held on Saturday. “But despite all these advantages, our trade has not achieved the desired level so far,” he said, adding apparel and textile is a promising sector to strengthen the trade relation between the two neighbouring countries. The local participating garment companies are Laila Styles Ltd, Bando Design Ltd, Jamuna Apparels Ltd, Energypac Fashions Ltd, Anowara Knit Composite Ltd, Sonia and Sweaters Limited, Pacific Jeans Ltd, Universal Jeans Ltd, Gramtech Knit Dyeing Finishing and Garments Ltd, Standard Group Ltd, Standard Stitches Ltd, Apex Textile Printing Mills Ltd, Pakiza Knit Composite Ltd, Well Group, Anzir Apparels Ltd, Anzir Terry Towels Ltd, Epic Group, Kwuntong Apparels Ltd, Lenny Fashion Ltd, K.C Bottom and Shirt Wear Company, RBSR Fashions Ltd, Denimach Ltd and Green Smirt Shirts Ltd.
