Youngone Corporation, the South Korean apparel and manufacturing giant, has entered Bangladesh’s exclusive billion-dollar export club, becoming the only foreign industrial group to reach the milestone in the country’s export sector. The achievement marks a defining moment for a company that has been deeply intertwined with Bangladesh’s garment industry for more than four decades.
Youngone’s rise to the billion-dollar level underscores the scale and maturity of its operations in Bangladesh, where it was the first foreign investor in the readymade garment sector more than 40 years ago. What began as an early bet on a nascent manufacturing base has evolved into one of the most influential foreign-backed industrial footprints in the country’s history.
Company officials described the milestone as a moment of pride and reflection, pointing to Youngone’s long-standing commitment to Bangladesh and its confidence in the country’s future. The company credited its dedicated workforce, operational excellence and the strategic leadership of Chairman Ki Hak Sung for driving sustained growth in a highly competitive global market.
Founded in South Korea in the 1970s, Youngone entered Bangladesh in 1980, at a time when the country’s garment industry was still in its infancy. The move proved transformative, not only for the company but also for the national economy. Over the years, Youngone became one of the earliest contributors to Bangladesh’s export-oriented industrialization, helping set standards in manufacturing, compliance and large-scale production.
Today, Youngone’s Bangladesh operations span apparel, textiles and related manufacturing, producing garments for some of the world’s leading global brands. Its exports include high-value sportswear, outdoor clothing and technical garments that require advanced production capabilities. This focus on higher-end products has helped the company remain resilient amid price pressures and shifting buyer expectations in the global apparel market.
Industry data shows that Youngone’s export earnings have now crossed the one billion dollar threshold, placing it among Bangladesh’s top exporters. What makes the achievement stand out is its status as the only foreign group to reach this level, in a club otherwise dominated by local conglomerates. Analysts say the milestone highlights the role of long-term foreign direct investment in strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial base.
A central pillar of Youngone’s success has been its investment in infrastructure and integrated production. The company played a key role in developing the Korean Export Processing Zone in Chattogram, a privately developed industrial zone that houses many of its factories and supporting facilities. The zone has become a model for planned industrial development, offering efficient logistics, modern utilities and large-scale employment opportunities.
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Beyond exports, Youngone’s impact on Bangladesh’s economy has been wide-ranging. Over the decades, it has contributed to employment generation, skills development, and technology transfer. Thousands of workers have been trained in advanced garment manufacturing techniques, helping raise productivity and quality standards across the sector.
Chairman Kihak Sung has long been a vocal advocate of Bangladesh as a global manufacturing destination. His leadership has emphasized long-term investment, strong compliance practices, and close collaboration with government and industry stakeholders. In recognition of his contributions to the country’s industrial development, he has received high-level national honors, reflecting the depth of Youngone’s engagement with Bangladesh.
The company’s statement marking the billion-dollar milestone expressed optimism about Bangladesh’s future, noting that the country remains central to Youngone’s global strategy despite ongoing challenges in the international economy. Rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and changing consumer demand have reshaped the global apparel industry in recent years, yet Youngone has continued to expand and upgrade its operations.
Bangladesh’s garment sector remains the backbone of the country’s export economy, accounting for the majority of export earnings. As global buyers increasingly focus on reliability, sustainability, and scale, companies with deep roots and strong operational capacity are seen as better positioned to navigate the changing landscape. Youngone’s achievement signals that foreign investors can not only succeed but also play a defining role in Bangladesh’s export growth when they commit to the long term.
Business leaders say Youngone’s entry into the billion-dollar export club sends a positive signal to international investors at a time when Bangladesh is seeking to diversify and upgrade its industrial base. The milestone reinforces the message that sustained investment, coupled with local integration and workforce development, can yield significant returns.
For Youngone, the achievement is both an endpoint and a starting point. While the billion-dollar mark reflects decades of effort, company leaders have indicated that the focus now is on maintaining excellence, expanding value-added production and supporting Bangladesh’s continued rise as a global manufacturing hub.
As Bangladesh looks ahead to the next phase of its export journey, Youngone’s story stands as a rare example of a foreign group growing alongside the country itself. From a first mover in the early days of the garment industry to a member of the billion-dollar export club, Youngone’s journey mirrors the transformation of Bangladesh’s manufacturing sector and underscores the potential of long-term partnership between global investors and emerging economies.
