BGMEA President Faruque Hassan paid a courtesy call on High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada Dr. Khalilur Rahman in Ottawa on September 14.

BGMEA Director Abdullah Hil Rakib was also present on the occasion.

Faruque Hassan apprised the envoy about the present situation of the RMG industry, especially how the industry has been turning around following the unprecedented disruption caused by the Covid-19 and the challenges of the recovery process. 

He also shared the future priorities of the apparel industry including diversification in products, especially increased focus on non-cotton and high-end product segment, market diversification and innovation in product development and process optimization. 

The BGMEA President requested support from the High Commissioner in increasing the share of RMG exports in the potential market like Canada, especially in the area of high-end and diversified apparel products. 

He also requested the envoy to project the positive stories of Bangladesh’s apparel industry especially the sector’s remarkable progress in the areas of workplace safety, social and environmental sustainability and workers’ wellbeing.

He laid emphasis on the efforts and role of the High Commission in Canada in securing continuation of trade benefit for Bangladesh for 12 years after the graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category in 2026. 

Faruque Hassan also requested cooperation from Dr. Khalilur Rahman in finding avenues to engage NRBs living in Canada in the development of Bangladesh’s economy.