Dhaka:Bangladesh is intensifying efforts to leverage the United Kingdom's preferential trade scheme, aiming to diversify its export portfolio beyond ready-made garments (RMG). The country plans to achieve this through targeted exporter training, increased engagement with buying houses, and enhanced compliance with market requirements.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bangladesh Trade and Global Sourcing Dialogue, organized by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) at Sheraton Dhaka, emphasized the importance of the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS). Martin Dowson, Development Counsellor and Deputy Development Director at the British High Commission, pointed out that key export sectors, including garments, have not fully utilized the available trade preferences.
The EPB, alongside the British High Commission, is undertaking initiatives to improve exporters' understanding of the scheme, including eligibility and compliance procedures. Workshops are planned in Chattogram and for the garment sector to tackle non-tariff barriers and enhance the use of preferential market access.
The dialogue also explored opportunities to expand Bangladesh's export basket and international competitiveness. The EPB has increased its priority export sectors from eight to 12, with a focus on emerging industries and services. EPB Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif indicated that service sectors like healthcare might be added to the priority-sector framework in response to industry demand.
Participants highlighted the necessity of effective international branding and direct engagement with foreign buyers to convert market-access opportunities into export orders. Discussions also covered the potential for traditional and emerging non-RMG products, such as jute goods, which could benefit from international demand for biodegradable packaging.
Further, opportunities in high-value sectors like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity were discussed. The EPB plans to use promotional videos and social media to showcase Bangladesh's manufacturing capabilities to international buyers.
Bangladesh is also exploring markets beyond the UK. An upcoming "Made in Bangladesh Expo" in Sao Paulo and a recent trade mission to Italy were highlighted as steps toward broader international engagement. The Bangladesh Garment Buying House Association pledged support for the Global Sourcing Expo Dhaka 2026, proposing audiovisual content to attract buyers.
The meeting concluded with a call to combine effective use of UK tariff preferences with stronger buyer connections, product diversification, and international promotion efforts to enhance Bangladesh's export earnings and build a more resilient export base.