Dhaka: Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) announced a record export earning of $7.45 billion in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with around $1 billion sourced from direct exports. This significant achievement was revealed during the opening ceremony of the 15th GAPEXPO at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the four-day trade show, showcasing the latest in garment accessories and packaging, will continue until January 17. The opening ceremony was attended by notable figures including BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, National Board of Revenue (NBR) Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan, BGMEA Acting President Selim Rahman, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, and Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) Chairman Abdul Hai Sarker.
Industry leaders emphasized the pivotal role of the accessories and packaging sector in supporting the country’s primary export earner, the ready-made garment (RMG) industry. Currently, the sector employs over 700,000 people and is represented by more than 2,000 member factories under BGAPMEA.
Association officials highlighted Bangladesh’s significant progress in import substitution, noting that the local industry now meets the entire internal demand of the export sector. Previously, the reliance on sourcing accessories from abroad resulted in high costs and extended lead times.
Organizers also stressed the importance of the government’s ‘Product of the Year’ initiative, which offers policy support and incentives to burgeoning sectors. BGAPMEA lauded the government’s decision to designate paper packaging products as the ‘Product of the Year’ for 2026. This move is anticipated to attract new domestic and foreign investment, foster sustainable industrial growth, generate new employment opportunities, and further enhance export earnings.