Dhaka International Yarn & Fabric Show kicks off in Dhaka
Business leaders seek policy support from government as textile, garment industries continue to suffering
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The 23rd Dhaka International Yarn & Fabric Show 2025 (winter edition) kicks off at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the city on Wednesday to showcase cutting-edge technologies in the textile and garment sectors.
Participants called the event a platform for professionals in the textile and garment sector to explore innovations, foster partnerships, and connect with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing yarn, fabric, trims, and accessories.
The event from 15 -18 January was organized jointly by CEMS-Global USA and CCPIT-Tex China.
Mohammad Hatem, President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) said there was more than 85 per cent value addition in the knitwear sector, but it continued to go down day by day due to the policy of the last government. It now stands at 50-60 per cent.
He feared it would be decreased further if policy support is not met.
The garment industry has been struggling and facing immense pressure due to decreasing government support, he said.
"Countries like neighbouring India, despite being LDC graduates, are providing necessary incentives to the RMG sector to encourage foreign investment and inviting foreign buyers, whereas the Bangladesh government continues to cut incentives and other facilities showing LDC graduation as a cause," Mr Hatem lamented.
He urged BIDA to play a vital role in getting foreign investors and to solve the prevailing problems in the sector.
He also requested the government to discuss with the sector stockholders before taking any policy decision which is required for the betterment of the industry.
Mr Hatem urged China investors to invest in the country, certainly in the textile sector.
Anwar Hossain, Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) & Administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) was present as the chief guest at the event.
He said we know the banking sector is facing some problems which cause suffering to the industry.
"We sat with the central bank governor and he assured us of helping out the crisis."
He admitted that concerns arise over the recent announcement of a gas price hike among businesses to expense business, opening new entrepreneurship, and foreign investment. All they demand is a business-friendly environment, and the government has room to work on it along with the private sector.
He emphasized backward linkage and non-cotton goods production to stop falling value addition in the textile sector.
Dewan Muhammad Humayun Kabir, Secretary and Executive Member (Investment Ecosystem), Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), also spoke at the event.
Meherun N. Islam, President and Group Managing Director of CEMS-Global said that the expo is working as a bridge connecting Bangladeshi textile and apparel manufacturers with international supply chain manufacturers and suppliers.
Over 325 exhibitors from 15+ countries are showcasing premium yarns, fabrics, trims, and accessories.
Song Yang, Commercial Consulate and Zhang Jian, Secretary, The Embassy of China in Bangladesh, Zhang Tao, Vice President, China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT-TEX), China also addressed the event.