DHAKA, Nov 11, 2025 (BSS) - Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Mahmud Hasan Khan held a meeting with a delegation from the Japan Textile Importers Association (JTIA) yesterday where Japanese buyers expressed their interest in importing high-value and fashionable garments from Bangladesh.

The JTIA delegation included: Toshinao Kawai, Supply Chain Management Department, MN Inter-Fashion Ltd.; Issei Nozawa, International Logistics Section, Administration Department, Lifestyle Business Division, Kowa Company Ltd.; Shingo Igami, General Manager, Overseas Affairs Department, Toyoshima & Co. Ltd.; Norihiro Komiya, Managing Director, Japan Textiles Importers Association; and Minami Kojiro, Manager, Osaka Sales & Marketing Department No. 2 Section-2, AIT Corporation.

From BGMEA, along with President Mahmud Hasan Khan, senior officials who participated in the discussion included Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan (Bablu); Vice President Md. Shihab Uddouja Chowdhury; Director Mohammad Abdur Rahim; Director Nafis-Ud-Doula; Director Sumaiya Islam; Director Fahima Akhter; Director Jowardar Mohammad Hosne Komar Alam; Director Rumana Rashid; and Director Mohammad Sohel.

The meeting discussed how both parties could work together to strengthen bilateral trade, particularly in increasing garment exports from Bangladesh to Japan, said a BGMEA press release today.

The BGMEA President said that Bangladesh's garment industry is now strategically focused on market diversification, and Japan remains an extremely important and promising market in this regard.

He stated that the industry has been working with strong commitment to move beyond basic cotton-based products toward synthetic fabrics and technical textiles, thereby placing its product range in the higher-value segment.

He urged Japanese buyers to expand their apparel sourcing from Bangladesh.

During the meeting, the JTIA delegation praised the growth of Bangladesh's apparel industry, its social and environmental compliance progress, and its efforts in ensuring worker safety and welfare.

They noted that with Bangladesh's growing capability in producing high-quality products, Japanese buyers now see Bangladesh as a trusted sourcing destination for high-value and fashionable items.

Measures to further streamline and accelerate the supply chain were highlighted in the discussion. The JTIA delegation particularly emphasized that Japanese buyers attach utmost importance to importing products within the shortest possible lead time. To reduce lead time, they suggested simplifying customs processes in Bangladesh and improving operational efficiency at Chattogram Port.

BGMEA leaders also sought the delegation's cooperation in simplifying the visa process for Bangladeshi businesspersons traveling to Japan. In response, the delegation assured that they would raise the matter with the relevant authorities of the government of Japan.

BGMEA also requested the delegation to share research and information on global market trends.

Both sides also discussed various issues related to the apparel industry, including the impact of U.S. tariffs on garment exports and the potential implications of Bangladesh's LDC graduation.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan formally requested, through JTIA, that the government of Japan continue offering duty-free market access to Bangladesh even after its graduation from LDC status in 2026. He observed that such benefits could be ensured through mutually beneficial frameworks like an EPA or PTA.

Both organizations expressed their commitment to continuing mutual cooperation and working together to increase Bangladesh's apparel exports to Japan.