Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Textiles and Jute Khandakar Abdul Muktadir has called for stronger Bangladesh–China cooperation to make the country’s textile and garment industry more sustainable, environment-friendly and technology-driven.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Bangladesh China Green Textile Expo 2026 held in the capital on Thursday.
The minister said, “China’s experience in industrialisation, technological development and poverty alleviation is highly valuable for Bangladesh.”
He urged Chinese investors to make meaningful investments in Bangladesh to create a “win-win” situation for both countries.
He also said China is Bangladesh’s largest trading partner. He added that increasing Chinese foreign direct investment is necessary to reduce the trade gap between the two countries.
The minister also called for investment in the revival of closed state-owned mills, modernisation of the jute sector, renewable energy and green industrialisation.
He further said, “Bangladesh now has the highest number of green-certified garment factories in the world, which reflects strong environmental awareness among entrepreneurs.”
He stressed the need to improve efficiency in water, electricity and energy use to make the textile industry more competitive and sustainable.
The minister expressed hope that such joint Bangladesh–China exhibitions would open new opportunities for technology exchange, investment expansion and sustainable industrialisation.
Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen attended the event as special guest.
Other speakers included BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Bangladesh-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCCI) President Mohammad Khorshed Alam, Bangladesh Garment Buyers Association (BGBA) President Md Abdul Hamid Pintu, Sevur International Ltd Managing Director Md Faizul Alam, President of the Chinese Enterprises Association in Bangladesh (CEAB) Han Ku, and Vice President of Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh Lisa Lu.
Later, the minister visited various stalls at the expo.
The three-day international exhibition features renowned textile and garment companies, investors, technology experts and business delegates from Bangladesh and China.
It showcases eco-friendly and recyclable textile technologies along with seminars and panel discussions involving leading entrepreneurs from both countries.
The exhibition remains open to all from 10:00am to 7:00pm and will conclude on 16 May.
