Pakistan eyes textile waste imports from Bangladesh to support recycling industry

Pakistan can meet the growing demands of its recycling industry by importing garment industry waste (textile waste) from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh is the largest producer of jute in the world, and there is significant demand for Bangladeshi jute fibre in Pakistan.

"If Pakistan imports jute fibre, it will be beneficial for both countries," said Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu, President of the BGMEA, on Sunday.

He made the remarks during a courtesy visit by Muhammad Wasif, Chargé d'Affaires of the Pakistan High Commission, to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) office in Uttara, Dhaka.

Trade and Investment Attaché of the High Commission Zain Aziz, BGMEA Vice President Md Rezwan Selim, and Directors Faisal Samad, Sumaiya Islam, and Fahima Akhter were present at the meeting.

The meeting focused on strengthening and expanding trade ties between the two nations, particularly in the garment and textile sectors, and explored other potential areas of cooperation.

Discussions included increasing textile imports from Pakistan and exporting ready-made garments and accessories from Bangladesh to Pakistan. Bangladesh has made notable progress in garment accessories production.

Both sides agreed to share knowledge, send business delegations, and collaborate on exhibitions and workshops.

They also discussed the implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) previously signed between the BGMEA and the Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) to promote bilateral trade.

The BGMEA President emphasised that active involvement from business communities in both countries is vital for the MoU’s implementation.

Both parties agreed to appoint focal points to further accelerate trade and investment cooperation.

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