To strengthen bilateral trade expansion, increase investment, and enhance strategic partnership in the textile sector between Bangladesh and Turkey, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Ramis Sen paid a courtesy call on BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan on 19 April 2026.

The meeting was held at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, attended by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan, Senior Vice President Inamul Haq Khan, Vice President (Finance) Mijanur Rahman, and Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Faisal Samad, and Mohammed Sohel. A Commercial Counsellor from the Turkish Embassy was also present.

The discussion focused on expanding trade, increasing investment cooperation, and strengthening overall economic relations between the two countries.

Key Discussion Points:

The Turkish Ambassador emphasized the importance of an early high-level BGMEA business delegation visit to Turkey to further strengthen bilateral trade relations and expand commercial opportunities.

The BGMEA President called for joint investment in Bangladesh’s man-made fiber and technical textile sectors, noting that Turkey’s strong refining capacity could play a vital role in ensuring cost-effective raw material supply for the garment industry.

The meeting also discussed the need to withdraw the safeguard duty imposed since 2011 and the possibility of signing a Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

Technical discussions were held on obtaining duty-free benefits for garments produced using cotton imported from Turkey. In this context, BGMEA expressed interest in importing Turkish organic cotton and modern textile machinery.

The meeting also explored the potential of utilizing Turkish Airlines and Istanbul Airport’s advanced logistics facilities to ensure faster delivery of products to global markets.

Responding to BGMEA’s request, the Ambassador assured full cooperation in simplifying the visa process for merchandisers working in the apparel sector.