Today, a discussion, titled "BAYLA Roadmap 2030: Resetting  the Competitive Edge, Rethinking Bangladesh's Apparel Industry", held at a hotel in  the capital. Photo: Collected

DHAKA, April 12, 2025 (BSS) - Apparel industry leaders have urged the 
government to offer an additional incentive to help offset the higher cost of 
importing cotton from the United States as part of efforts to reduce the 
trade gap with the country.

They made the appeal at a discussion, titled "BAYLA Roadmap 2030: Resetting 
the Competitive Edge, Rethinking Bangladesh's Apparel Industry", organised by 
the Bangladesh Apparel Youth Leaders Association (BAYLA) held at a hotel in 
the capital today.

The industry leaders also put emphasis on addressing high air freight costs 
and inefficiencies at ports to expedite further the trade growth.

Mohammad Hatem, president of the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and 
Exporters Association (BKMEA), called for a reduction in tariffs to prepare 
for post-LDC graduation and challenges from US tariffs. High duties on 
imported man-made fibres remain a concern, he said.

He also highlighted the existing challenges within the banking sector and 
various other areas, including the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and 
customs.

Hatem said, "The government has, however, initiated measures to address these 
issues in certain sectors, particularly concerning the NBR."

Envoy Textile Limited Chairman Kutubuddin Ahmed noted that US cotton costs 
about four cents more per pound than cotton from other sources.

He said importers could be encouraged to buy from the US if the government 
adjusted its current incentive scheme accordingly.

"If the government gives us this amount of extra money as an incentive for 
importing US cotton instead of the existing cash incentive, then 
entrepreneurs will be encouraged to import cotton from there," said 
Kutubuddin, also a former president of the BGMEA.

Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, former BGMEA president, underscored the need 
for addressing high interest rates, rising utility prices and bureaucratic 
delays at ports.

He said Bangladesh is often labeled as a country of cheap labour, but if the 
country's situation is compared with Vietnam, then it could be found that 
their transport, interest rates, logistics and other associated costs are 
significantly lower. 

Importers also called for reduced harassment at customs, faster clearance at 
ports, and improved infrastructures to maintain Bangladesh's export 
competitiveness.

Other speakers included BGMEA Administrator Mohammad Anwar Hossain, former 
BGMEA president Faruque Hassan and Ananta Group Managing Director Sharif 
Zahir while BAYLA President Abrar Hossain Sayem moderated the session.