Matchmaking Program Between EU Buyers and Bangladeshi RMG Manufacturers

CBI-BGMEA ASIA Invest Program 2007-2008
 

BGMEA signed a MoU with the Center for Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI) to match-make between Bangladeshi apparel manufacturers and European buyers to enlarge the knowledge of EU markets, finding commercial partners for exporters and to get closer on all product/ market related issues through direct business contacts with EU potential buyers. In a narrow focus, the purpose of the program is to enable local participating companies to obtain a solid and durable business network within the EU.


About CBI
The CBI was found by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1971 which was later transformed into a Government Agency. It works to strengthening the firms' competitiveness of exporters in developing countries, business support organisations (BSO’s) and importers. CBI contributes to the economic development of developing countries by strengthening the competitiveness of companies from those countries on the European (EU & EFTA) markets. It stimulates and supports economic activities that are sustainable, socially responsible and environmentally sound.

 
Buyer-Seller missions to the EU
Under the framework objective of the program 2 missions to EU have been integrated to showcasing products and establishing network with EU buyers. This also includes knowledge sharing on fashion and technology, awaring buyers on social compliance situation in Bangladesh and contribute to build the image of the nation.

 
Mission - Rotterdam, The Netherlands
25-27 July, 2007. Rotterdam hosted a grand gathering of buyers and sellers where 15 Bangladeshi RMG manufacturers and a good number of Dutch buyers came across to explore potential trades. Netherlands being one of the largest EU importers from Bangladesh was seen to have enormous potentials to penetrate.

 
Mission - Boras, Sweden
20 November 2007. Boras, the city of textile in Sweden, was an wonderful meeting place for both the Bangladeshi companies and Scandinavian buyers. The Simonsland which is going to be an international hub for textile and apparel trade hosted its first event with this show. Presence of Diginitaries, crowd of buyers, exotic fashion show and students of an adjacent textile university made the gathering a vibrant place throughout the day. The one day program concluded with a number of prospective individual meeting outcomes and some buyers expressed their instatnt interests to fly over to Bangladesh in the next step.

 
Mission - Dhaka, Bangladesh
5-11 April, 2008. A 12 member EU delegation visited Dhaka under this program including the Regional Manager of Malardalen Chamber of Commerce, Sweden and a CBI's External Expert. During the week-long visit local participants and buyers gathered collectively and in individual factories/showrooms. BGMEA apprised the team on social compliance status and the rate of progress. A good and instant orders were also received as a timely & positive step of the buyers. The delegation rated mission as a most successful one and local companies have the full credit to make it possible.
 

Projected Output
The success of the program is seeded on how the knowledge gained will be nurtured and multipying  the network spread. Especially the Scandinavian markets could be a core focus where maximum market opportunities will be explored since Bangladesh has a relatively smaller pie in Scandinavian markets. Moreover, the knowledge and awareness on Bangladesh RMG industry, business prospects and pro-dynamic people are the good experiences carried by the EU delegates. Such reputation will be a key factor to further expore potential trades.