Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan on Monday said that Bangladesh and Australia have immense potential to enhance bilateral trade by further deepening of collaboration and cooperation.
“Trade between the two countries had grown considerably over the past few years and more opportunities still lie ahead that could benefit both the sides if reaped together,” he commented.
Faruque came up with the observations during a meeting with Tim Watts MP, Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Australian Government, in Dhaka on Monday, said a press release.
Brendan Hodgson, Director, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives Section at Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; Megan Jones, Assistant Secretary, Indian Ocean and South Asia Regional Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia; and Louisa Bochner, Adviser, office of the Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs and Jeremy Bruer, Australian High Commissioner in Dhaka were also present at the meeting.
The meeting was also attended by Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for the ICT Division, Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury, Deputy Minister for Education, and Russell T. Ahmed, President of Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS).
They had discussions about different issues, including potential areas of expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
Issues relevant to Bangladesh’s RMG industry including its prospects and preparedness to continue the growth momentum were discussed during the meeting.
The BGMEA President briefed the Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs about the huge progress made by Bangladesh’s RMG industry in terms of workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers' rights and welfare.
He said Bangladesh was interested in importing more cotton and wool from Australia to meet the growing demand of the RMG and textile industry.
The BGMEA President informed the Australian Assistant Minister about the BGMEA’s initiative to organize the Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Australia on 18th July 2023 and called on him to extend support in organizing the event.
He also sought cooperation from Australia in developing knowledge and skills of the students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in textile, apparel, fashion, design and business through the collaboration with leading Australian universities and fashion institutes.
Faruque expressed thanks to the Australian government for its decision to continue duty-free market access for Bangladesh.
“It would support Bangladesh in maintaining the momentum of its economic growth after the LDC graduation,” Faruque added.