The lifting of mandatory fumigation will save cost and time for Bangladeshi traders importing cotton from the United States, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan.

Figure: BGMEA partners with Cotton USA to increase mutual trade.

He said, “Bangladesh has withdrawn the mandatory fumigation of US cotton. This has created a huge opportunity for both the US and Bangladesh to increase bilateral trades. From now on, Bangladeshi traders will be able to import cotton from US without fumigation. It will save Bangladeshi traders time and cost, and will also reduce the hassle a lot.

Faruque Hassan said these things during the meeting of a delegation of Cotton USA with BGMEA President yesterday (May 30).

The delegation was led by William R Bettendorf, director for supply chain marketing and South Asia of the Cotton USA, a body responsible for the development of the US cotton industry; Stephanie Thiers-Ratcliffe, director for European brands and retailers, and Ali Arsalan, Bangladesh consultant.

BGMEA Director Tanvir Ahmed was also present at the meeting held at BGMEA Complex in Dhaka

During the meeting, Cotton USA assured to work together to increase bilateral trade with BGMEA. In the meeting, they discussed possible cooperation in creating mutual trade opportunities. The discussion detailed how the two organizations can work together to widen trade routes in the apparel and cotton sectors.

BGMEA president also said, “Apparel are made with the cotton imported by Bangladeshi businessmen from the United States. This garment is again exported to the United States. If the US government exempts Bangladeshi apparel made of US cotton, then they will be able to buy more apparel from Bangladesh.”

He sought the cooperation of Cotton USA in this regard. BGMEA President opined that it would be beneficial for both Bangladeshi garment exporters and US cotton producers.

Meanwhile Faruque Hassan informed the Cotton USA delegation that the 'Bangladesh Apparel Summit' will be held in October 2023 in the United States under the initiative of BGMEA.