In a strategic move to strengthen Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry’s backward linkage and upstream supply chain, attract new foreign investment, and facilitate the injection of fresh capital and advanced technology into both operational and idle factories, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has launched a special initiative.
A bilateral meeting was held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka, between BGMEA leaders and a high-level delegation from the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh (OCAB). The discussions focused on expanding Chinese investment in Bangladesh’s apparel sector and fostering strategic joint venture partnerships.
The BGMEA delegation was led by President Mahmud Hasan Khan. Other BGMEA representatives included Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Director Zowardar Mohammad Hosne Komar Alam, and Director Samiha Azim.
The OCAB delegation included Vice President Lisa Lou, Vice President & Secretary General Vivian Huang, Executive Director Steven Zhang, and Secretary Tina Hu.
During the meeting, the Chinese delegation emphasized that greater foreign investment is essential for strengthening and modernizing Bangladesh’s upstream apparel supply chain. They noted that many Chinese companies are keen to establish manufacturing facilities, transfer technology, and expand business operations in Bangladesh.
However, the lack of reliable and comprehensive information has made it difficult for them to make informed investment decisions. They requested BGMEA’s active support in providing relevant information and facilitating coordination.
Responding to this interest, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan announced that the association would collect information from its member factories via email.
Member companies that are interested in bringing Chinese capital and advanced technology into their operational or idle factories, or are seeking joint venture partners through full or partial ownership transfer, will be requested to submit the following information: Factory name and general profile, Factory size and available space, Machinery details and equipment inventory, Current operational status of the factory, Preferred type of partnership or investment structure.
Based on the information received, BGMEA will evaluate each factory’s profile and capabilities before sharing the relevant details with OCAB.
Through this one-stop facilitation mechanism, BGMEA and OCAB will jointly connect potential Chinese investors with Bangladeshi factory owners. The initiative is expected to help revive idle and financially distressed factories by injecting new capital, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships, while also accelerating foreign investment in Bangladesh’s backward linkage industries and the production of higher value-added apparel.