Garments Bangladesh

The goal of this export coaching programme is to help a number of garment manufacturers in Bangladesh to move up from the low end of the market to higher EU market segments. We are doing this by helping them to add more value to their export products. We are also helping the sector as a whole to get a better image. These changes will create better margins, more income and more jobs.

Bangladesh already has a large garment industry. As much as 80% of the country’s exports are garments. The problem is that almost all of these exports go to low-end markets. This means the producers get relatively less revenue for their exports.

The aim of our programme is to help a group of front runners to reach higher market segments. This should serve as a positive example for the sector, inspiring them to begin to add more value to their products too. That way the garment industry will contribute to more sustainable economic growth in Bangladesh.

Project details

This programme began in 2014 and will end in 2017. After selecting and auditing companies, we began to train and coach them. After that we started helping them to enter the European market, for example by exhibiting at The Sourcing Connection in 2015 and 2016, a new fashion trade fair in Paris, France. Also, a buying mission with 7 well-known Dutch brands was organized in May 2016.

The training covers many aspects of export, such us developing more diverse and sophisticated products. We are also working on creating more complete collections. Product and collection development are good ways of moving up into a higher market segment.

We are also training the companies in direct exports. Most of Bangladesh’ garment exports are sold through local buying houses. This means smaller margins for the manufacturers. It also means they have no contact with European buyers and cannot learn about European buyer needs. Direct exports lead to better margins and more learning opportunities.

Corporate social responsibility is also an important theme in this programme. With the companies we are working on better and safer working conditions and environmental awareness.

Project participants and products

A total of 28 companies are taking part in this export coaching programme.

Meet the participants

You can contact CBI to find out more, or to get in touch with these exporters.
Another possibility is to meet these potential suppliers at the next big trade fairs they will attend in Europe in 2016 and 2017. For more information, contact CBI.

Partners

Our main partner in this programme is the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). This large business support organisation is helping us to support the 28 participating companies and to strengthen the garment sector as a whole. CBI is also helping BGMEA in several ways, for example:

• The development of a sector export marketing plan
• Sector branding
• Getting more and better knowledge of the European garment market.

Get involved as an importer

Are you a European importer interested in mid- to higher-end garment manufacturers from Bangladesh? You can contact CBI to get more information, or to meet with these suppliers who are being trained to export to Europe.

Get involved in this project