Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan has emphasised the need to boost Bangladesh’s apparel exports to South Korea while simultaneously attracting Korean investment in non-textile sectors.
Speaking during a meeting with Park Young-sik, ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Bangladesh, at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, Mahmud highlighted the potential for enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries.
The discussions also focused on improving business-to-business connectivity between Korean and Bangladeshi enterprises, particularly in the textile sector.
BGMEA leadership, including Vice-President Md. Shehab Udduza Chowdhury, Director Faisal Samad, and Member Israfil Atique, participated in the meeting. The ambassador was accompanied by Kim Jeong ki, consul at the Korean Embassy in Dhaka, and Noh Chy Woo, country head of Spandex Performance Unit and Spandex Plant at Hyosung TNC Corporation (Bangladesh Liaison Office).
During the meeting, Mahmud Hasan Khan emphasised Bangladesh’s growing role as a key destination for South Korean exports such as man-made fibers, textile machinery, chemical dyes, and other raw materials. He expressed confidence that the increasing demand for Bangladeshi apparel in South Korea presents significant opportunities for mutually beneficial trade.
Mahmud also acknowledged South Korea’s longstanding contributions to Bangladesh’s garment industry, particularly through technical assistance and workforce training during the industry’s early years.
Ambassador Park Young-sik underscored the importance of aligning Bangladesh’s Export Processing Zones (EPZ) Act 2019 with the Bangladesh Labour Act 2006 to create a more favorable environment for foreign investors. He also stressed the need for improved labor productivity and operational efficiency, especially at the Chattogram port, to facilitate smoother trade.
Both sides discussed the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Bangladesh and South Korea, which they believe would further deepen bilateral relations and foster stronger economic ties.
Mahmud Hasan Khan expressed gratitude for South Korea’s ongoing support and expressed optimism that the relationship between Bangladesh and South Korea will continue to strengthen in the coming years.