Bangladesh’s exports to the United Kingdom could reach $10 billion if the country increases its share of the UK import market from 0.49 per cent to 1 per cent, speakers said at a workshop on export opportunities beyond ready-made garments (RMG) on Wednesday.
They stressed the need to diversify exports, improve product quality, ensure compliance with international standards, modernise testing and certification systems, and overcome tariff and non-tariff barriers to strengthen Bangladesh’s competitiveness in the UK market.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), in collaboration with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) and the British High Commission in Bangladesh, organised the workshop titled “Exporting to the UK: Opportunities Beyond RMG” at the DCCI Auditorium in Dhaka.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness of opportunities in the UK market, particularly for non-RMG products, and promote export diversification and higher-value exports as Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the least developed country (LDC) category.
Focus on non-RMG products
Taskeen Ahmed, president of DCCI, emphasised the importance of improving product quality, meeting international standards, strengthening certification and traceability, developing branding, and enhancing market intelligence to expand Bangladesh’s exports to the UK beyond RMG.
He also highlighted the need to make effective use of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and address tariff and non-tariff barriers to boost bilateral trade and investment.
James Goldman, acting high commissioner of the British High Commission in Bangladesh, highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two countries.
He said continued access to the UK market after Bangladesh’s LDC graduation would provide businesses with the certainty needed to plan, expand and invest. He encouraged Bangladeshi businesses to make greater use of the available opportunities in the UK market.
Overcoming non-tariff barriers
Mohammad Hasan Arif, vice chairman and chief executive (additional secretary) of EPB, presented the keynote paper on UK market opportunities, focusing on export proliferation, diversification and higher-value products beyond RMG.
He noted that non-RMG products account for only around 6 per cent of Bangladesh’s merchandise exports to the UK, despite strong demand for products such as processed food, pharmaceuticals, footwear and furniture.
Arif emphasised the need to overcome non-tariff barriers, meet UK regulatory and product standards, and strengthen testing, certification and production capacities to improve export competitiveness.
A technical session on the DCTS was conducted by Ellie Parker, regional trade for development adviser for South Asia, Central Asia and the South Caucasus at the British High Commission.
The session covered current and post-LDC graduation market-access opportunities under the scheme, practical guidance on accessing preferential tariff benefits, and key considerations for exporters seeking to enter or expand in the UK market.
Cross-sector collaboration
An industry-government panel discussion brought together representatives from customs, footwear and leather goods, seafood, agro-processing, packaging and other business sectors.
Participants discussed market opportunities, export readiness, the effective use of DCTS preferences, export procedures, and regulatory, technical and operational challenges.
The workshop also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to exchange views and seek practical guidance on accessing the UK market.
The discussions underscored the importance of stronger collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and development partners to diversify Bangladesh’s export basket, enhance product competitiveness, improve compliance with international standards and maximise preferential market-access opportunities.
Md Salem Sulaiman, vice president of DCCI, members of the DCCI Board of Directors, EPB officials and representatives from various public and private sector organisations also attended the workshop.
The programme concluded with closing remarks and an exchange of views, reaffirming the participants’ commitment to expanding Bangladesh’s non-RMG exports and strengthening trade relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
