DHAKA, April 1, 2024 (BSS) - Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh

Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), sought the support
of the Embassy to promote bilateral trade and investment, especially
attracting investments from Italy in the promising industrial sectors of
Bangladesh.

Faruque made the call when he paid a courtesy call on Monirul Islam,
ambassador of Bangladesh to Italy, at the Embassy in Rome.
 
Embassy officials including Economic Counsellor Md. Al Amin and First
Secretary (Labour) Ashif Anam Siddique were also present in the meeting, said
a press release.

The discussions centered on the significant trade and investment
opportunities between Bangladesh and Italy, with a particular focus on
increasing Bangladeshi garment exports to Italy, especially high-value
fashion products.

Faruque provided an overview of Bangladesh apparel industry's current state,
future potential and vision.

He highlighted the industry's growing shift from basic to high-end products,
particularly the fashion items based on man-made fibers and technical
textiles.

Since the demand for high-end garments is significant in the Italian market,
there is a considerable opportunity for Bangladesh to export such goods to
Italy.

The BGMEA president emphasized the potential investment sectors for Italian
investors, including non-cotton textiles, food and agro-processing, IT, light
engineering, leather and shipbuilding.
 
He also requested the embassy's assistance in attracting Italian apparel
buyers who do not source from Bangladesh.

Highlighting the direct flight between Dhaka and Rome, Faruque emphasized its
significance in enhancing business communication.

He urged the envoy to streamline consular services and simplify the visa
obtaining process for businessmen, with the aim of fostering increased
business interactions.

Faruque also urged Ambassador Monirul to facilitate collaboration between
BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) and fashion institutes in
Italy to enhance the skills of BUFT students.