Textile Sourcing Meet ’22 hosted by SOWTEX (B2B marketplace for fashion & textile Industry) in Joint Association with Fashion Export Fraternity led by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association BGMEA, Bangladesh Garment Executives Association (BGEA) and Indian Importers Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IICCI) organized on 17th & 18th September 2022 at Radisson Blu, Dhaka Water Garden was a great success with an overwhelming response, making it the first-of-its-kind Buyer-Seller Meet bringing the top Textile fraternity of Bangladesh & India in a collaborative environment.
The class apart congregation of Bangladesh & Indian Textile Manufacturers, Industry Experts & Government Representatives under one roof witnessed a grand inauguration by the Chief Guest, Mr. Tipu Munshi, Hon’ble Commerce Minister, Bangladesh. Guests of Honour Included President – BGMEA, Mr. Faruque Hassan; Vice President – BGMEA, Mr. Shahidullah Azim; Director – BGMEA, Ms. Neela Hosna Ara; President – IICCI, Mr. Atul Saxena; President – BGEA, Mr. Masudur Rahman; Chairman – Press & Publicity – BGMEA, Mr. Shovon Islam and Country Head – M&S, Ms. Shwapna Bhowmick.
The event witnessed a footfall of over 900+ top fashion buyers, exporters & manufacturers over the two days as well as a number of delegates and dignitaries.
Notable Dignitaries from India and Bangladesh were present including General Secretary – BGEA, Mr. Emdad Miazi; Director RMG – IICCI, Ms. Jannatul Ferdous Nipa; Chairman – Standing Committee on Trade Fair BGMEA, Mr. Kamal Uddin; Chairman – Standing Committee of Market Development BGMEA, Mr. Mir Ripon; Asia Head – Tukatech, Mr. Umesh Gaur; Director – X Ray Jeans, Ms. Ann Mary; Director – BGMEA & Envoy Design Ltd., Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee; CEO – Paramount Instruments, Mr. Manjit Singh Saini; MD – Dongyi Sourcing Ltd., Mr. Mofazzel Hossain Povel; Director – Union Group, Mr. Rana; Sr. Sales Manager – Coats Digital, Mr. Asiful Islam Arif; Director – Yes Fashions Ltd, Mr. Manan Gondalia; Head of Allure Sourcing, Mr. Rajib K Islam; MD – Rasik Vatika, Mr. Vaibhav Arora; Director – Chaity Group, Mr. Amit K Biswas; Head of International Business Development – Colorjet, Mr. Kamal Kulshreshtha; Director – Sayem Group, Mr. Abrar Hossain; MD – Cloth “R” Us Ltd., Ms. Kyaw Sein Thay; Mr. Swapan Kumar Saha from KGS Sourcing; Mr. Keshav Choudhary from Krishna Fashion and Mr. Amit Kansal from Acme Fashion along with members of BGMEA, BKGEA, BGEA, BGBA, BTMA, FBCCI & BKMEA.
The Event showcased Textile Companies in Fabric, Trims & Yarn Categories from India & Bangladesh with their product development capabilities along with their USPs based on Trends & Innovation to Fashion buyers & Manufacturers looking for Sourcing Quality, Sustainable & Innovative materials for international markets. It was an endeavor to facilitate deeper engagement and integrate the textile value chain between India and Bangladesh through panel interactions with top delegates, networking & business growth sessions, product development displays and trend forecasting. It’s also noteworthy to mention the vision of BGMEA President, Faruque Hassan of working towards $100 billions industry by 2030.
Day 1 had Panel discussions on Important topics like ‘Bridging the Sourcing Gap between
India & Bangladesh’ and ‘Stitching the Value Chain with Sustainability & Traceability’. Speakers discussed working together on various issues such as easing the cross-border barriers between two nations and speeding up the transportation of raw materials and boosting export and import. During one of the discussions, India was assessed to be the major sourcing partner for raw materials. An Urgent Need to organize a higher number of B2B Meets and Improve the Infrastructure on both sides i.e. India and Bangladesh was also discussed. Day 2 also witnessed Digital Fashion Show & introduction of Metaverse in the Textile ecosystem and concept of Experiential Commerce; Important panel discussions on Sustainable Product Development & How to Infuse Trends in Sustainable Fashion. Some of the major topics discussed were the need for product diversification, sustainable alternatives for material sourcing and how traceability can translate into the textile industry & contribute to sustainability.
The event was supported by Tukatech as the Technology partner, Paramount Instruments as the Event Partner along with Radisson Blu as the Hospitality Partner. Overall, It was an enriching experience for the textile fraternity on both sides of the association and will hopefully pave the way for future collaborations.
