After a 13-year gap, Bangladesh’s flagship apparel exhibition Batexpo is returning with a focus on market diversification, higher-value products, sustainability and technology-driven manufacturing.
The two-day Batexpo 2026 will be held on 18–19 November at the Bangladesh–China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka, marking the silver jubilee edition of the event, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan said at a press conference on Thursday.
The exhibition will highlight Bangladesh’s manufacturing capacity, green production, innovation and future growth strategies for global buyers and industry stakeholders, beyond traditional displays of garments, raw materials and machinery.
Once a key platform connecting local manufacturers with international buyers, suppliers and technology providers, Batexpo returns as global sourcing priorities shift towards workplace safety, environmental compliance, supply chain transparency and technology adoption.
The 2026 edition will feature the Global Apparel Export Summit, an artificial intelligence and innovation hub, sustainability and circularity exhibition, GIG Sustainability Award and fashion shows, bringing together global brands, buyers, technology providers, policymakers and entrepreneurs.
The revival comes as Bangladesh seeks to reduce dependence on traditional markets. The US, European Union and Canada remain the main destinations for the country’s nearly $40 billion apparel exports, while shipments to other markets account for about $8 billion.
As part of its market expansion drive, BGMEA will organise the first Bangladesh Apparel Roadshow in Hong Kong on 28 October with HSBC Bangladesh. The association sees Hong Kong as a regional sourcing hub for global brands and aims to attract new buyers by showcasing Bangladesh’s production capacity.
BGMEA is also setting up a Japan Desk to strengthen ties with Japanese buyers. Japan imports more than $12 billion worth of apparel annually, while Bangladesh’s exports to the market remain around $500 million–$600 million. The association aims to raise exports to $2.5 billion.
The sector is also seeking to move away from volume-based exports towards higher-value products. Bangladesh’s shipments remain dominated by cotton-based items, while global demand is rising for man-made fibre products, including polyester and nylon-based garments, and specialised apparel.
Investment in new materials, technology, design and workforce skills will be key themes at Batexpo.
Sustainability will be another major focus as global buyers face stricter environmental and human rights requirements. BGMEA said it is working with Open Supply Hub and GIZ to improve supply chain transparency and prepare factories for regulations such as the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
The exhibition will highlight efforts to reduce water and energy consumption, increase waste recycling and promote circular production.
Industry leaders also highlighted the role of artificial intelligence and automation in improving competitiveness. AI applications in shipping documents, merchandising, digital sample approvals, production planning and error reduction could improve efficiency, while workers and mid-level managers will need new skills to adapt.
Bangladesh’s apparel exports grew 5.12 per cent in the first two months of the current fiscal year, with August recording around 13 per cent growth, according to BGMEA. However, global inflation, buyer pressure for lower prices and domestic energy shortages remain challenges.
Future growth will depend on raising export value through better design, own product development, man-made fibre capacity and specialised apparel rather than relying only on higher volumes, the association said.
Through Batexpo, BGMEA aims to reposition Bangladesh as an innovative, responsible and higher-value apparel supplier rather than only a low-cost manufacturing base.
