The 17th Bangladesh Denim Expo signifies a transformative moment in the fashion industry

The 17th edition of Bangladesh Denim Expo kicked off yesterday at the International Convention City, Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka, Bangladesh. The Bangladesh Denim Expo is a remarkable testament to the fusion of fashion and sustainability within the denim industry. This event showcases innovative designs and emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly practices.

This edition features over 45 exhibitors from 7 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, China, Turkey, Spain, and Italy. Experience the dynamic changes in the denim industry as we delve into sustainable materials and innovative designs that reflect its rich diversity.

The theme of the 17th edition is “The Blue New World.” As we embrace a new beginning in the fashion industry, our dedication to eco-friendly practices and responsible sourcing is paramount. This journey highlights the critical role of innovation and sustainability, particularly in Bangladesh, where ethical responsibility and quality coexist. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future At "Trend Zone," visitors are uncovering the latest in denim innovation and trends. Dive into the unique fabrics and styling techniques from Bangladesh that promise to enhance your wardrobe and keep you stylishly ahead.

Experiencing the best in denim at "Denim Lunge" with Pacific Jeans Ltd. Visitors explore the latest collections and discover the innovative techniques that set us apart in the denim manufacturing landscape.

First Day at Panel Discussion 1: What Steps Must Bangladesh Take to Lead the Global Apparel Industry by 2030? session explored the strategic actions required for Bangladesh's RMG sector to transition from a low-cost production hub to a global leader in high-value, sustainable apparel by 2030. Discussions focused on driving innovation through advanced manufacturing techniques, technology adoption, and digital solutions, ensuring that the industry meets the evolving demands of the global market. The session also highlighted the practical solutions to enhance product quality and increase production efficiency, including sustainable and circular practices as part of the broader strategy.

Distinguished speaker Syed M Tanvir (Moderator), Managing Director, Pacific Jeans, said “We are in the middle of a situation where short-term and long-term visibility is a bit cloudy. But our industry is very strong; it is growing every year.”

Abhishek Nath, Country Director, Lidl & Kaufland Asia, said “Having the largest number of green factories in the world shows a great zeal. I believe there is an entrepreneurial drive to be sustainable here. The industry must become more transparent in the future than it is currently. Everywhere we walk, we see the will to succeed.”

Antonio Alessandro, Ambassador, Embassy of the Italy to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh said "When we speak about trade between Italy and Bangladesh, it makes me very proud because it is a success story. In my opinion, Bangladesh is already leading the apparel industry; how to keep the industry in this top position is a more important concern in my view. In terms of opportunities, we need to attract more Italian and European companies in Bangladesh. Exchange of business delegation is also important. There should be a closer relationship between industry and academia. Fashion and design are definitely two areas where room for improvement is higher for Bangladesh in the textile and apparel industry."

Anwar Hossain, BGMEA Export Promotion Bureau, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, said “I believe that the garments sector is just beginning. We have some challenges, but I believe the manufacturers will come up with more solutions. Having more than 200 green factories demonstrates how our entrepreneurs are so responsible for global initiatives, sustainable drives, and ethical behavior and how they're dealing with the workforce. I also feel the brand and buyers should have some mutual responsibility. I feel that one thing we lack in industry is the gap in academia and industry partnership.”

Manish Chauhan, Chairman, Noize Jeans, said “Everyone is working on their own resources to define their process. "We are quite successful in achieving a lot of goals in sustainability towards the endgame, which is net zero. For us, sustainability is how we can change the way we work. Our concept is that whatever we are achieving is cost-neutral. We are changing the way of processes, and that is how we are working on raw materials. We are working very hard on carbon emissions. The concept is simple: first reduce as much as you can, then it is easy to eliminate."

Showkat Aziz Russell, President, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) & Managing Director, Amber Denim Mills Ltd. said "We have grown very well, especially in the denim sector. It has happened in only the last 15 years. I've not seen such big growth in such a short time. To take this to the next level, we need uninterrupted power and gas supply. The number of mills has grown, which means they can share more knowledge now, and the prospect is much bigger now."

Werner Lange, Coordinator, Sustainable Economic Development/Training and Employment Cluster,GIZ Bangladesh, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, said ”I think Bangladesh needs more diversification. It's necessary to have different mindsets. We will have projects dedicated to skills and education. But it needs the right attitude. We should first support all sorts of professions to comply with industrial safety. You really need to look at your workforce as an asset.”

Ziaur Rahman, Regional Country Manager, Production (Bangladesh, Pakistan & Ethiopia), H&M, said “There’s a gap in the relationship between labor and owners. One of the commitments I want to see is the settlement on the table. Instead of a transactional approach, I want to see a strategic approach. When the approach is strategic, we can become partners. Transparency is the key here. we improved greatly in this regard. Investment in middle management is really important. Embrace technology.”

Founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo Mostafiz Uddin said: “It’s been over 10 years that we are doing this initiative. We started this very small, with the ambition to brand Bangladesh to the world. We have not stopped but rather increased our initiatives. The industry is passing a critical moment. It is a challenging period, and I invite you all to be a part of this challenge. I would like all of your support in this journey.”