Textile sector needs innovation for global competitiveness
Bangladesh’s textile and RMG sector needs to focus on sustainability, innovation, research, and diversified products to sustain its competitiveness in the international market,p said Commerce, Industries, and Textiles & Jute Minister Khandakar Abdul Muktadir.
on Saturday said Bangladesh’s textile and ready-made garment (RMG) industry must prioritise sustainability, innovation, research, and product diversification to remain competitive in the global market.
Speaking as chief guest at the grand launching ceremony of the Textile Innovation Exchange held at a hotel in Dhaka, on Saturday, the minister said sustainability has become essential for the industry’s long-term survival and growth.
He stressed the importance of efficient use of electricity, gas, and water in industrial production, noting that Bangladesh’s limited natural resources require greater focus on energy conservation, water recycling, circular production systems, and better management practices.
Muktadir said although the country’s RMG sector has achieved significant success, exports are still heavily dependent on a narrow range of products.
He warned that Bangladesh could lose its global competitiveness unless it rapidly expands into higher value-added segments such as sportswear, man-made fibre garments, and technical textiles.
Referring to challenges in the European market and Bangladesh’s post-LDC graduation scenario, he said the country must diversify both products and export destinations while strengthening research, design development, skill enhancement, and technology adoption.
Highlighting the sector’s role in the economy, the minister said the textile industry has become a major driver of industrialisation, exports, and employment generation, with further growth potential through proper planning and innovation.
On reopening closed industrial units, he said the government would avoid investing in non-functional factories with outdated machinery.
Instead, it plans to introduce industry-specific solutions, including industrial parks, public-private partnership initiatives, and lease-based investment models to attract new investment.
He also said sectors such as leather, light engineering, and shipbuilding would be modernised through technology upgrades, skills development, and international cooperation.
Welcoming the Textile Innovation Exchange initiative, the minister said stronger collaboration between industry and academia would help transform Bangladesh’s textile sector into a more modern, sustainable, and competitive industry.
Among others, Md Julhas Uddin attended the programme as guest of honour, while Enamul Haque Khan, Ayub Nabi Khan, Md Abdul Hamid, and Engineer Md Enayet Hossain spoke as special guests.
The minister later inaugurated the Textile Innovation Exchange platform and visited various stalls at the venue.
