RMG expanding global footprint.

As we embark upon a new chapter in our collective journey, I write to you with profound pride in the  growth and transformation of our readymade garment (RMG) industry. From its nascent beginnings  in the late 1970s, grappling with logistical challenges and incipient supply chains, we have risen to  become a global leader, a testament to the indomitable spirit of Bangladeshi entrepreneurs. 

In the mid-90’s, while the world saw emerging regulations on prohibiting goods made by child labor,  our response in eliminating and rehabilitating child labor earned global appreciation. And then, with  the lifting of the Multi-Fiber Arrangement (MFA) in 2005, skepticism shrouded our future. Yet, we  defied every prediction, proving the resilience of our industry and establishing Bangladesh as a  global leader in readymade garment exports. 

It has always been a bumpy ride. Our evolution transcends mere compliance with safety and health  standards. We are actively embracing environmental responsibility, pioneering sustainable practices,  and making significant strides towards climate action. This metamorphosis owes much to the  steadfast support of our valued buyers, who’s support played a pivotal role in every crossroads we  passed through, particularly in driving improvements in workplace safety standards. 

Bangladesh has significantly moved towards sustainable and resilient manufacturing. We are not  only confined our efforts to make our factory green but also our factories are investing millions of  dollars in other areas particularly, circular fashion, renewable energy and other energy and process  efficient modern technologies. To expedite our sustainability journey, BGMEA has taken  sustainability vision 2030 by prioritizing ESG that means Environment, Social and Governance. This  has earned the confidence of the global brands and retailers, their representatives and agents, and  Bangladesh has emerged as the most preferred apparel sourcing destination. We see a clear  reflection of this in the recent growth of buyers’ / buying houses’ membership at BGMEA.  

You are aware that the buyers / buying houses are also entitled for BGMEA’s membership under the  ‘Associate Membership’ category, in addition to the garment manufacturers. The membership does  not only enable them to access our services, but also entitle them for various business support  services. We do have a significant number of buyers / buying houses already registered with BGMEA.  I am glad to share with you that since 2018, a number of 217 buyers / buying houses has registered  with BGMEA. The number of new registrations in the past three years (2021-2024) is 154. The surge  in associate memberships signifies Bangladesh’s position in the global fashion industry.  

I find it relevant to mention that BGMEA challenged a decision by the Ministry of Jute & Textile  entrusting the authority of registering the buying houses solely to the Bangladesh Garment Buying  House Association (BGBHA). The BGMEA’s membership does not only enable the buyers / buying  houses to access our services, but also ensures a greater coordination, collaboration, and  transparency, since BGMEA follows a rigorous process for approving membership. I am pleased to  share that through our extensive engagement with the government, the decision was revised and 

the authority for BGMEA to provide associate membership to buyers / buying houses was restored. As we navigate toward the future, this would enable us to maintain the rhythm and exchange with  our valued buyers, ultimately fostering the journey to grow together. 

I would like to mention further that apparel diplomacy has been a cornerstone of the present Board  of BGMEA and we have made all-out efforts to tell the positive story of our industry and our  transformation. From Australia to the Middle East, Asia, and beyond, we sent delegations to engage  with buyers, brands, retailers, consumers, and trade bodies forging strategic partnerships and  opening doors to new markets and new customers. We organized the first ever Made in Bangladesh  Week in 2022, the maiden Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Melbourne in July 2023, and bilateral visits  to Saudi Arabia and Iraq. These initiatives’ success is evident in the growing number of customers,  vibrant market diversification, and the growing interesting BGMEA’s services among buyers / buying  houses.  

Bangladesh garment industry stands on the cusp of a new era. Our prosperity depends on our  actions today. Through every effort and initiative, we commit ourselves to continuously delivering  the better. Together, we have built a legacy of excellence, and together, we shall etch Bangladesh’s  name in the chronicles of the global fashion industry. 

Year-wise new registration of buyers / buying houses (associate members)