Netherlands-Bangladesh Circular Textile Trade Mission Strengthens Industry Collaboration
The Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh, in collaboration with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE), organized a Circular Textile Trade Mission match-making session at the BGMEA complex in Dhaka.
The session marked a significant milestone as the first-ever Dutch trade mission to Bangladesh under the Netherlands’ Circular Textile Programme. It brought together 15 Dutch companies specializing in circularity and renewable energy, along with Bangladeshi apparel entrepreneurs, apparel brands and investors. The event was also attended by BGMEA Support Committee members, garment industry leaders and Thijs Woudstra, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Bangladesh.
The match-making session facilitated discussions on potential business collaborations in circularity-focused solutions, including:
- Post-production waste management and recycling
- Traceability and textile innovation
- Cleaner production processes with reduced water usage
- Renewable energy integration in textile manufacturing
- Adoption of circular business models and sustainable designs
Participants explored innovative solutions to environmental challenges in the fashion industry, emphasizing the need for waste reduction, sustainability and long-term environmental responsibility.
Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector has already taken steps toward circularity through initiatives like the SWITCH2CE project, which promotes pre-consumer textile waste recycling and sustainable resource use. Apparel entrepreneurs at the session highlighted the need for stronger buyer support and government policies to scale up Bangladesh’s ambitions in renewable energy adoption.
The trade mission aims to bridge the technological gap between Dutch companies and Bangladeshi manufacturers, fostering greater collaboration in sustainable textile production.
Both Dutch and Bangladeshi stakeholders expressed enthusiasm for working together to drive innovation and accelerate the transition towards renewable energy and sustainable practices in the textile sector. The government of the Netherlands has been a consistent supporter of Bangladesh’s efforts to position itself as a responsible sourcing destination, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and industry growth.
