BGMEA hosted an interactive dialogue with SME member factories, bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss practical pathways for enhancing the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s SME apparel manufacturers.

Recognizing that SMEs form the backbone of our industry, the session focused on understanding their evolving business challenges and exploring collaborative solutions in the areas of buyer engagement, compliance, renewable energy, and sustainability. The discussion provided an open platform for SME members to share their experiences, priorities, and expectations while engaging directly with relevant stakeholders.

The session was chaired by Mr. Faisal Samad, Director, BGMEA, and was attended by Ms. Rumana Rashid, Director, BGMEA. The dialogue also benefited from the valuable participation of Ms. Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of EuroCham Bangladesh, Ms. Elisa Benistant, Technical Officer – Just Transition, ILO, representatives from GIZ, GAP, other development partners, and industry experts, whose insights enriched the discussions.

This initiative marks the beginning of a more structured effort by BGMEA to assess the needs of SME members and identify partnership opportunities that can help address existing barriers to growth and long-term resilience. By fostering stronger collaboration between industry, brands, development partners, financial institutions, and service providers, BGMEA aims to facilitate practical solutions that respond to the real needs of SMEs.

End of the session a working committee was formed where Ms. Rumana Rashid is Director-In-Charge and Mr. Md Rubayet Ahmed, Chairman Standing Committee on SMEs and few other members. 

As part of its continued commitment to ease of doing business, BGMEA will actively organize more such sessions on priority issues, creating regular opportunities for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. The insights gathered through these engagements will help shape future initiatives and support mechanisms that strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and global market readiness of Bangladesh’s SME apparel sector.