Local apparel makers are actively exploring the potential of raising the export of garments made of Man-Made Fibre (MMF) as the demand for clothing made of such synthetic materials is increasing globally.
In alignment with such global trend and demand, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is sharply focusing on diversification of the readymade garment (RMG) export basket, especially with an eye on non-cotton items.
A BGMEA delegation led by its president Faruque Hassan went to India for interactions with top Indian textile manufacturers on the sidelines of a four-day textile sourcing road show which is scheduled to end today (Sunday).
Talking to the FE, Mr Hassan who came back to Dhaka on Saturday evening said they had meetings in Delhi and the other members of the delegation would have meetings in Ahmedabad on the day and Surat on Sunday.
"Surat is the hub for Indian MMF," he said adding the purpose of the road show was to increase the export of local RMG to India and develop a reliable raw material sourcing backbone, especially of MMF, within the shortest possible time.
Bangladesh earned US$548.87 million from RMG exports to India during the first half of the current fiscal year marking over 49 per cent year-on-year growth.
The earnings were US$715.41 million in the last fiscal year.
When asked, Md Shahidullah Azim, vice president of BGMEA, on Saturday said the share of cotton in the global market of garments is around 25 to 30 per cent and the share of MMF is 70 to 75 per cent.
But Bangladesh is witnessing the opposite picture, he added.
On the other hand, India has a big textile sector, having a considerable capacity of supplying MMF and blended textile products while the country is also a promising destination for Bangladeshi RMG exports, he noted.
The business situation has created opportunities for both the countries to drive growth in the RMG and textile industry, he said.
Mr Azim also said that they invited Indian businesses to set up MMF-based factories in Bangladesh.
"Moreover, as we have set a $100 billion RMG export earnings goal by 2030, they will have a ready market In Bangladesh," he noted.
MMF accounts for more than 50 per cent of global clothing, since the products are more durable, fashionable and sustainable than cotton, according to studies.
According to Bangladesh Textile Mills Association
(BTMA), the import of MMF like polyester staple, viscose and tencel is on the rise following the rising demand amid changes in the global fashion trend.
Some 0.15 million tonnes of MMF were imported in the last fiscal year while about 50 local millers partially produced such items.
To cater to an industry that produces around US$20 billion worth of textiles, some 1511 textile mills are producing 7.8 billion metres of fabrics. Capacity-wise there is still a shortfall of 20 per cent for knit fabrics and 60 per cent for woven fabrics.
The local textile industry still does not have varieties in the production lines like spandex, rayon, viscose, and other MMF-based fabrics, RMG makers said.
