DHAKA, May 30, 2023 (BSS) - A delegation from Cotton USA met with Bangladesh 
Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque 
Hassan today to discuss potential collaboration on creating trade 
opportunities that would be beneficial for both sides.

The team included William R. Bettendorf, Director, Supply Chain Marketing and 
South Asia; Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, Director, European Brands and 
Retailers; and Ali Arsalan, Bangladesh Consultant, Cotton USA.

BGMEA Director Tanvir Ahmed was also present at the meeting held at BGMEA 
Complex today, said a press release.

Their discussion focused on how both organizations could work together to 
pave the way for more trade between Bangladesh and the USA, particularly in 
the apparel and cotton sectors.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said the lifting of the rule of mandatory 
fumigation of US cotton by Bangladesh has created a huge opportunity for both 
the USA and Bangladesh to enhance mutual trade.

"Now US cotton can be imported by Bangladeshi importers without fumigation. 
It will reduce time, hassles and cost of doing business of the importer in 
importing cotton from the USA," he said.

He said if the U.S. government allows duty-free access of the garments made 
of the cotton imported from the US, it would allow the US importers to 
purchase more clothing from Bangladesh. 

He sought cooperation of the Cotton USA in this matter.

It would benefit both Bangladeshi RMG exporters and US cotton growers, thus 
will create a win-win situation, he added.

Faruque Hassan informed the Cotton USA team about the BGMEA's initiative to 
organize the Bangladesh Apparel Summit in the USA in October 2023 and 
requested them to extend support in organizing the event by inviting US 
cotton exporters and apparel buyers to the summit.

Bangladesh is the second largest cotton-importing country in the world as 98% 
of the cotton requited for its export-oriented RMG industry is met by 
imports.

The United States is the leading cotton exporter in the world.