Dhaka, Apr 11 (V7N) – Korean EPZ founder Kyauk Sung has expressed optimism that Bangladesh could emerge as the world’s number one garment exporter, provided the country adopts the right strategies and structural reforms. He made the remarks during a session on 'Textiles and Garments' at a hotel in the capital on Thursday, the concluding day of the international investment conference.

Kyauk Sung, a longstanding investor in Bangladesh’s textile sector, noted that the country is currently the second-largest garment exporter globally as a single nation. However, to reach the top position, he emphasized the urgent need to enhance technological integration, develop skilled human resources, and establish domestic production facilities for advanced and hand-crafted yarns.

  • Technology Integration: Increased automation and innovation in manufacturing processes.

  • Skilled Workforce Development: Upskilling workers to meet evolving global demand.

  • Raw Material Accessibility: Expansion of bonded warehouses to enable quick access to imported raw materials.

  • Policy Reforms: Stronger government policy support to encourage value-added exports.

  • Domestic Yarn Production: Investment in high-end yarn facilities to reduce import dependency.

Addressing recent developments in international trade, Sung referred to the three-month suspension of Trump-era tariff policies, calling it a “welcome relief” for exporters. He praised the Bangladesh government's proactive measures, especially in engaging with global partners to safeguard the country’s trade interests.

However, he also cautioned that long-term survival in the competitive global market hinges on producing high-value garments, moving beyond basic items to more sophisticated, design-intensive products.

“We need to focus on producing high-value garments. Otherwise, it will become increasingly difficult to survive in the competitive global market,” Sung said.

Also speaking at the event was Anwar Hossain, Administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Vice-Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau. He reaffirmed the industry's commitment to scaling up value-added production and assured that the government is working closely with stakeholders to implement necessary reforms.

With strategic reforms, targeted investment, and technological upgrades, Bangladesh’s ambition to become the world's leading garment exporter seems more achievable than ever.

END/MSS/AJ