A grand gathering of textile and apparel industry has been seen in 15th Textech Bangladesh 2014 International Expo at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) premises in Dhaka from September 3 to 6. Conference and Exhibition Management Services Ltd (CMES) Bangladesh and USA jointly organized the four-day event on textile garment materials & machinery. Textech was showcased along with other two concurrent exhibitions titled ‘Dye+Chem Bangladesh Expo’ and ‘Dhaka International Yarn and Fabric Show’. Nearly 450 Exhibitors from over 10 countries were participating in these Exhibitions. These 3 exhibitions in one go targeted to the entire business community and has played an important role by assembling worldwide technology, machinery and material manufacturers at the doorsteps of the manufacturers of Bangladesh under one umbrella to evaluate them of the latest developments and technology available facilitating Bangladesh to further compete in the World market, claimed the organizers.

‘Out of the country’s US$ 30.17 billion export earnings in the last fiscal (2013-14), the apparel exporters bagged $ 24.49 billion earnings, while they earned $ 21.51 billion as against of total $ 27.01 billion export earnings in the fiscal 2012-13; So, Bangladesh is gradually emerging as a very important destination for quality textile and apparel products for global buyers,’ said industries minister of Gov. Republic of Bangladesh Amir Hossain Amu while addressing the inaugural session of the four-day international expo in the BICC. The minister came up with the observation of adding with these phenomenal growth, introduction of latest technology in the production process is the key to further enhance the competitiveness of the country’s apparel and textile industry. Besides, the RMG sector has made a tremendous scope for employment generation especially for the women class in Bangladesh, the minister said. Amu inducted the expo as the chief guest while Korean Ambassador in Dhaka Lee Yun-young, BGMEA president Md. Atiqul Islam, BKMEA first vice president Mohammad Hatem, president of Bangladesh Grey and Finished Fabrics Mills and Exporters Association Md. Harun-Ur-Rashid and Group Managing Director of CEMS-Global USA & Asia Pacific Meherun N Islam, among others, also spoke at the inaugural ceremony of the fair.

‘It's time to move to the new phase,’ Said Mr. Lee while he notified to Bangladesh that to get more orders from global markets, Bangladeshi apparel exporters should concentrate on manufacturing more value added products. ‘Bangladesh should move from just cutting, making and dyeing to more value-added products,’ he said, adding that Korean companies are ready to support such upgrades. Korean company Daewoo inked a joint venture with Desh Garments in Bangladesh in the late 1970s to export garments for the first time from Bangladesh, the envoy informed. Korean companies have contributed much to the economic development of Bangladesh since its independence, he said. The envoy also urged the Bangladesh government to improve business environment for attracting more foreign investment in the country. Korean companies have so far invested around $600 million in Bangladesh, he said, adding that Bangladesh's apparel exports to Korea rose on average 69 percent annually over the last five years. Mohammad Hatem, first vice-president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, also urged the foreign investors to invest more in the apparel industry of Bangladesh.

“Foreign companies can invest in the backward linkage of the apparel industry though we are not allowing FDI in the cutting and stitching segment,” he said. He said South Korean electronic giant Samsung has diverted an investment plan to Vietnam from Bangladesh due to non-cooperation of the Bangladesh government. Atiqul Islam, President of BGMEA was of the opinion that ready-made garment producers will be able to get updated on modern technologies showcased at the fair. He said ‘the fairs will help apparel makers get updated on modern technologies.’

Exhibitors from over 1o countries, including Bangladesh, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom and USA, took part in these exhibitions with their latest apparel machinery, chemicals and dyes, accessories, yarn and fabric.

Machinery for Spinning preparation, Spinning, Machinery for Winding, Texturing, Twisting, Bonding and finishing of Nonwovens and felting, Weaving preparatory machinery, Knitting and Hosiery Machinery, Textile Printing Machinery, Dyeing Machinery, Braiding and Embroidery Machinery, Processing Machinery, Machinery and Accessories for the Making-Up Industry, Handling, Storing and Packing equipment, Equipment for Recycling, Dyes & Chemicals, Waste Reduction machinery has displayed here for the visitors.

Yarn & Fabric Show was a marketplace for textile business as well as presenting the latest fabrics and trends. The segment was fully equipped with all ranges of textile products enhanced with the latest technology, sated a new definition of smart fabrics in order to satisfy the growing demand of the buyers. All kinds of Cotton and Synthetic fabrics (Woven / Knit), Denim, Knitted Fabrics, Fleece, Natural Fabrics (Woven / Knit), Yarn & Fibre, Fancy Finishing, Home Textiles, CAD/ CAM & E-business. Coated Artificial Fur, Artificial Leather, Embroidery, Grey Cloth Accessories: Hangers, Computers & Labeling Systems, Labels, Zipper, Button , Snap Fastener, Transfer Press, Shoulder Padding, Interlining, Weaving Ribbon Support Services etc. showed from the different company.

Dye+Chem show was one of the biggest meeting place for buyers and suppliers of dyes & chemicals. It also provided an interactive platform for exhibitors to generate business through displays and direct interaction & enhance the synergy effect and attract top level professionals from the Industry thus improving technology, focus and visitors of the expo. Different company exhibited different types of chemical including Adhesives or Catalysts, Chemical Intermediates or Cleaning chemicals, Corrosion inhibitors, Cosmetic Chemicals, Detergent Raw Materials, Dyes and dye stuffs, Electro Chemicals, Electroplating chemicals, Fine Chemicals, Inorganic Chemicals, Laboratory chemicals, Performance chemicals, Petrochemicals, Processing Chemicals, Textile Chemicals and the like others.