Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today urged the European Union (EU) to continue providing trade benefit to Bangladesh for 12 years more after the country’s graduation to a developing nation in 2026.
The extension will help Bangladesh make smooth transition from the least-developed country category and take preparation to face post-graduation challenges, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
He spoke during a meeting with Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley when the latter came to the BGMEA’s office in Dhaka’s Gulshan.
Hassan apprised the newly appointed EU ambassador about the present situation of Bangladesh’s garment industry, its challenges, opportunities and future priorities, BGMEA said in a statement.
He also shared the impressive achievements of the industry in workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers’ wellbeing.
He thanked the European Union for its move to remove the 7.4-percent import threshold from the GSP plus vulnerability criteria, as the step will pave the way for Bangladesh to apply for GSP plus benefit after graduation.
He also hoped Bangladesh will continue getting the friendly support and cooperation the European Union has been extending to Bangladesh, especially for the apparel industry.
The president of the apparel makers’ platform also sought cooperation of the EU for capacity development of the students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology in textile, apparel, fashion and business through collaboration with leading EU universities.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali also attended the meeting.
