The Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) is set to host a four-day Indian Textile Trade Fair in Bangladesh starting on Wednesday. Over 60 exhibitors and SGCCI office-bearers have already departed for Dhaka on Tuesday.

SGCCI president Himanshu Bodawala stated that the industry has high expectations for significant business opportunities at the exhibition, which will take place at the International Convention City at Bashundhara in Dhaka. This event aims to enhance the industry’s competitiveness with China, a major supplier of textile goods.

Bodawala mentioned, “This is the first time such an event is being held in Bangladesh. The textile industry, including players in yarns, fabrics, and other sectors, sees great business potential in Bangladesh.”

Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will inaugurate the fair, and Indian High Commissioner in Bangladesh Pranay Verma will also attend the event. To ensure its success, SGCCI is collaborating with Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, among others.

According to Bodawala, Bangladesh is the world’s second largest exporter of apparel with an annual business of around USD 44 billion. “Currently, Bangladesh imports textile products and raw materials worth around USD 6 billion from China and Indian textile goods worth USD 2 billion. Their major imports include yarn, cotton, knitted and woven fabrics, in which the Surat textile industry plays a key role,” he said.

Bodawala also expressed hope for a free trade agreement (FTA) between India and Bangladesh. He added, “Once the FTA is in place, Surat can become a major supplier of textile goods. Currently, textile goods exported to Bangladesh from India are subject to taxes, making it difficult for us to compete with China.”

In an effort to promote the Surat brand globally, SGCCI has previously organized textile exhibitions in the USA and Dubai.

SGCCI vice-president Ramesh Vaghasiya stated, “Thousands have registered to attend the textile fair in Bangladesh, and we are also bringing zari manufacturers and traders with us. We have also received demand for textile goods in the Australian market and are planning to explore that opportunity as well.”