A new growth opportunity has emerged for Bangladesh’s flower industry, with locally grown flowers entering the lucrative Dubai market. As demand increases, flower exporters from Bangladesh are targeting $50,000 in sales over the next six months.
Flowers produced in Gadkhali, Jashore — known as the “flower kingdom” of Bangladesh — are now being exported to the United Arab Emirates, marking a significant step forward for the sector.
The first trial shipment of Bangladeshi flowers, weighing 500 kilograms, was flown from Dhaka to Dubai on 4 May. The consignment, valued at $1,080, included gerbera and tuberose flowers. The shipment was facilitated by BD Trade, a Satkhira-based agricultural exporter, which sent 1,200 pieces of tuberose and 2,400 pieces of gerbera flowers during the first week of May.
Following the success of the initial export, BD Trade is preparing for a second shipment on 22 May, with 4,000 tuberose flowers expected to be sent, weighing nearly 500 kilograms, valued at over $1,500.
Encouraged by this positive response, BD Trade plans to export at least 30 consignments to Dubai-based flower retailer FloraNow over the next six months, aiming for a total export value of $50,000. FloraNow will distribute the flowers to retail shops across Dubai, with the possibility of increasing volumes if quality standards are consistently met.
Despite the small size of Bangladesh’s flower export sector, there is significant potential. According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), only $963.81 worth of cut flowers were exported to Kuwait in the first ten months of FY 2025-26. However, BD Trade plans to establish weekly shipments to Dubai, targeting $50,000 in flower exports.
Imran Hossain, owner of BD Trade, said, “From now on, we plan to send one shipment every week, with nearly 30 consignments over the next six months.” He added that while Bangladeshi flowers are already competitive in terms of quality and pricing, ongoing efforts are focused on improving the consistency of gerbera quality to meet international standards.
Incentives for flower exporters are available under Bangladesh’s agricultural export scheme, with a 10 per cent incentive provided to those exporting flowers. BD Trade is working with the EPB to avail this facility.
Nur-e-Alam Siddique, Deputy Director of the Horticulture Wing under the Department of Agricultural Extension, confirmed that Gadkhali in Jashore remains the country’s primary flower-producing hub. Bangladesh produced around 940 million flowers in FY 2024-25, with marigolds, gladiolus, gerbera, and rose among the major varieties cultivated.
BD Trade’s entry into flower exports comes on the back of successful agricultural product exports like potatoes and cabbage through Chattogram Sea Port and Dhaka Airport. This new venture marks an exciting chapter in the development of Bangladesh’s flower export industry, with significant growth potential in international markets.
