BGMEA, OCAIB move to attract Chinese investment in RMG sector

A meeting between BGMEA leaders and a high-level OCAIB delegation at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on Tuesday.

Dhaka, Aug 4 — The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Overseas Chinese Association in Bangladesh (OCAIB) have launched a joint initiative to strengthen the upper supply chain and backward linkages of the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector by attracting foreign investment and modern technology.

The decision was taken during a bilateral meeting between BGMEA leaders and a high-level OCAIB delegation at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara on Tuesday.

The discussions focused on boosting Chinese investment in the apparel sector, introducing new capital and advanced technology into operational or closed factories, and facilitating strategic joint ventures.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan led the association’s delegation, accompanied by Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, and Directors Shah Rayeed Chowdhury, Joarder Md Hosne Qumer Alam, and Samiha Asim.

The OCAIB delegation included Vice President Lisa Lou, Vice President and Secretary General Vivian Huang, Executive Director Steven Zhang, and Secretary Tina Hu.

During the meeting, Chinese representatives highlighted that foreign investment is crucial for strengthening and modernizing Bangladesh’s upper supply chain. They noted that while many Chinese companies are keenly interested in setting up factories, transferring technology, and expanding operations in Bangladesh, a lack of reliable, central information often delays decision-making. They sought active coordination and information support from BGMEA.

In response, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan assured the delegation that BGMEA will collect detailed data from its member factories via email. Local factory owners who are seeking Chinese capital, modern technology, or full ownership/share transfers through joint venture partners will be asked to submit key information, including-Factory name and general details, Factory space and floor area, Description and quantity of machinery, Current operational status of the factory, Preferred type of partnership

BGMEA will analyze the capabilities and profile of these factories before sharing the vetted data with OCAIB.

Through this one-stop mechanism, BGMEA and OCAIB aim to build a direct business match-making link between prospective Chinese investors and local factory owners. The initiative is expected to revive closed or struggling factories while accelerating foreign direct investment in backward linkages and high-value garment manufacturing.

BGMEA has requested interested factory owners and potential investors to submit their detailed proposals, according to a press release. - UNB