Iraq showed keenness to import Bangladeshi apparel products because of its high quality.
“Though Iraq imports apparel from Turkey and China, the high officials to common people are positive about the quality of locally made apparel. And they are willing to get Bangladeshi garments,” said Bangladesh ambassador to Iraq Abu Maqsoud M Farhad on Monday.
He said at a meeting with the president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Md Siddiqur Rahman.
BGMEA vice president Mohammed Nasir was also present in the meeting held at its headquarters in the city.
Mr Farhad stressed on developing business relation between the two country’s apparel traders to create a market there and exploit the opportunity.
The BGMEA will take necessary measures in creating and exploring the market in Iraq, said Mr Rahman.
BGMEA is displaying garment at the display centre of Bangladesh Mission in Baghdad on a regular basis, he added.
Bangladesh’s garment industry is now a role model of safe working place, he said adding seven out of 10 USGBC (United States of Green Building Council) LEED certified environment-friendly green factories are located in the country.
A total of 67 local factories achieved USGBC LEED certificate while 280 more are in pipeline, he said.
A bilateral memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in 1981 between the two countries, said Mr Farhad.
He also stressed on making the MoU time befitting and expressed his hope that BGMEA will attend the meeting organised by commerce ministry that is expected to be held shortly in this regard.