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BGMEA, Cotton USA to collaborate on increasing mutual trade


By BSS
Published : 31 May 2023 09:22 PM

A delegation from Cotton USA met with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan on Tuesday to discuss potential collaboration on creating trade opportunities that would be beneficial for both sides.

The team included William R. Bettendorf, Director, Supply Chain Marketing and South Asia; Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, Director, European Brands and Retailers; and Ali Arsalan, Bangladesh Consultant, Cotton USA.

BGMEA Director Tanvir Ahmed was also present at the meeting held at BGMEA 

Complex today, said a press release.

Their discussion focused on how both organizations could work together to  pave the way for more trade between Bangladesh and the USA, particularly in  the apparel and cotton sectors.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the lifting of the rule of mandatory  fumigation of US cotton by Bangladesh has created a huge opportunity for both  the USA and Bangladesh to enhance mutual trade.

"Now US cotton can be imported by Bangladeshi importers without fumigation. 

It will reduce time, hassles and cost of doing business of the importer in  importing cotton from the USA," he said.

He said if the U.S. government allows duty-free access of the garments made  of the cotton imported from the US, it would allow the US importers to  purchase more clothing from Bangladesh. 

He sought cooperation of the Cotton USA in this matter.

It would benefit both Bangladeshi RMG exporters and US cotton growers, thus  will create a win-win situation, he added.

Faruque Hassan informed the Cotton USA team about the BGMEA's initiative to  organize the Bangladesh Apparel Summit in the USA in October 2023 and  requested them to extend support in organizing the event by inviting US  cotton exporters and apparel buyers to the summit.

Bangladesh is the second largest cotton-importing country in the world as 98%  of the cotton requited for its export-oriented RMG industry is met by  imports.

The United States is the leading cotton exporter in the world.