DHAKA, July 12, 2026 (BSS) – The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh (OCAIB) have discussed strengthening cooperation through joint investment, technology transfer and sustainable initiatives to enhance the competitiveness of the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector.

The discussions took place at the BGMEA Complex in the city on Saturday during a meeting between BGMEA leaders and a 13-member OCAIB delegation led by its President Felix Chang Y.C, said a press release here today.

BGMEA Senior Vice President Inamul Huq Khan chaired the meeting.

During the meeting, the two sides focused on expanding Chinese investment in Bangladesh's RMG and backward linkage industries through joint ventures, acquisitions and investment in struggling or closed factories to revitalise production.

They also stressed simplifying customs and bond-related procedures and ensuring effective implementation of a one-stop service to reduce the cost of doing business and facilitate quicker clearance of machinery and goods.

The meeting underscored the importance of collaboration in circular fashion, renewable energy and carbon emission reduction by leveraging China's advanced green technologies.

Both sides also discussed increasing productivity through automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to help Bangladesh's garment industry adapt to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The OCAIB delegation expressed interest in working on carbon trading in Bangladesh and proposed an exchange programme for the sweater industry under which old Jacquard machines would be replaced with modern equipment.

However, the delegation said administrative delays and customs complexities were slowing the implementation of such initiatives.

In response, BGMEA leaders said they would hold discussions with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and relevant government agencies to address regulatory bottlenecks.

They noted that many local entrepreneurs are interested in partnering with Chinese investors in both operational and closed factories.

The BGMEA leaders also said the association is prioritising renewable energy and high-value apparel manufacturing, adding that Chinese expertise in technology and backward linkage industries could further strengthen Bangladesh's global competitiveness.

OCAIB President Felix Chang lauded the progress of Bangladesh's apparel sector and reaffirmed his organisation's commitment to bringing new investments and technical support to the industry.

BGMEA Vice Presidents Md. Rezwan Selim, Vidiya Amrit Khan and Md. Shibab Uddoja Chowdhury, along with several directors, attended the meeting.

The OCAIB delegation also included Vice Presidents Andy Chan, Cliff Ren, Lisa Lu and Joel Wong.