BTMA, BGMEA join hands to launch annual global textile machinery expo

The Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly organise an annual international exhibition aimed at showcasing the latest technologies and strengthening the competitiveness of the country's textile and apparel sector.

The exhibition, to be known as the Bangladesh International Textile and Apparel Machinery Exhibition (BITMA), will be held in Dhaka every year under the joint management of the two industry bodies, with support from internationally reputed exhibition organisers.

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The MoU was signed at Gulshan Club in Dhaka by BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell and BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan.

The two associations said the initiative is intended to help modernise Bangladesh's textile and garment industry by promoting advanced machinery, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, sustainable manufacturing technologies and innovation.

They said the exhibition would serve as a platform for global machinery manufacturers, technology providers, investors and fashion industry stakeholders to connect with Bangladeshi manufacturers, facilitating technology transfer, business networking, skills development and international trade partnerships.

The organisers believe the initiative will contribute to improving the global competitiveness of Bangladesh's textile and apparel industry and support the country's ambition of achieving $100 billion in exports.

According to the MoU, a 10-member joint organising committee will oversee the planning and management of the exhibition.

The committee will include five representatives each from BTMA and BGMEA to ensure joint decision-making and financial transparency.

The chairmanship of the committee will rotate annually between the two organisations.

In the inaugural year, the committee will be chaired by a BTMA representative, while the co-chair will be nominated by BGMEA.