logo
Apparel sector: PRGMEA, BGMEA sign MoU to drive export growth

Apparel sector: PRGMEA, BGMEA sign MoU to drive export growth

KARACHI: In a significant step towards strengthening trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The MoU was signed on April 28 at a local hotel in Dhaka by BGMEA Administrator Anwar Hossain and PRGMEA Vice Chairman-Central, Aamir Reyaz Chottani. The ceremony was attended by notable dignitaries, including Commerce Adviser SK Bashir Uddin and Pakistan's High Commissioner to Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof.
Key highlights of the MoU knowledge exchange: Sharing best practices and expertise to drive growth and competitiveness in the apparel exports sector. Industrial Collaboration: Exploring opportunities for joint ventures and partnerships to enhance industrial capacity and productivity.
Exchange of business delegation: Facilitating visits and exchanges to foster trade and investment between the two countries. Participation in Trade Exhibitions: Encouraging participation in each other's trade exhibitions to showcase products and services.
Shared objectives: The MoU emphasizes the shared objective of driving sustainable growth, enhancing competitiveness, and leveraging the complementary strengths of both countries' garment and textile industries.
This collaboration aims to unlock new opportunities and promote deeper engagement between the two major players in the global apparel market.
'This MoU marks a significant milestone in our efforts to strengthen trade and investment ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. We look forward to working closely with BGMEA to enhance collaboration in the apparel exports sector,' said Aamir Reyaz Chottani, Vice Chairman-Central, PRGMEA.
'We are excited to partner with PRGMEA and explore new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. This collaboration will enable us to leverage each other's strengths and enhance our competitiveness in the global market,' said Anwar Hossain, Administrator, BGMEA.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is the premier trade body representing the garment industry in Bangladesh.
The Pakistan Readymade Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) is a leading trade association representing the interests of garment manufacturers and exporters in Pakistan.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Standard Chartered, Emirates ink MoU
Standard Chartered, Emirates ink MoU

Business Recorder

time2 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Standard Chartered, Emirates ink MoU

KARACHI: Standard Chartered Pakistan and Emirates have entered into a strategic partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The collaboration offers significant benefits to Standard Chartered Credit Card holders, special fares on tickets purchased online through the Emirates website. Additionally, customers can opt to split their payments into convenient monthly instalments of up to 12 months. The partnership further solidifies Standard Chartered's position as the premier wealth advisory bank in the country and as the trusted banking partner for global corporations operating in the region. It further underscores the Bank's commitment to providing exceptional services and benefits to its clients. The MoU was signed by Rehan Shaikh, CEO and Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Pakistan and Mohammed Alhashmi, VP for Pakistan, Emirates. Also present at the signing ceremony were senior management officials from both companies including Saadya Riaz, Head Wealth & Retail Banking, SC Pakistan and Ashfaq Shah, Corporate Sales Manager – Pakistan from Emirates. Rehan Shaikh, commented on the partnership said that this strategic alliance with Emirates is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver superior value and convenience to our clients. 'This collaboration not only strengthens our market position but also exemplifies our commitment to fostering strong partnerships that drive innovation and growth in the banking sector', he added. Mohammed Alhashmi, VP for Pakistan, Emirates said that Emirates has a special relationship with Pakistan where we have been operating since 1985 and, in partnering with a leading bank operating in the country, we hope to expand our customer base further. The incentives we are providing to Standard Chartered customers will allow them to experience our premium travel proposition while enjoying added-value, he added. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Pak olive oil secures Silver Award
Pak olive oil secures Silver Award

Business Recorder

time2 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Pak olive oil secures Silver Award

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani olive oil has earned international acclaim by securing a Silver Award at the 2025 New York International Olive Oil Competition, the world's largest and most prestigious event for premium olive oil producers. The award was presented to Loralai Olives, a leading Pakistani olive oil brand, recognised for its exceptional purity, sustainable production methods, and world-class packaging. Out of more than 1,200 entries from around the globe, Pakistan's olive oil stood out, marking a significant milestone in the country's evolving olive industry. Italy has played a pivotal role as a steady and visionary partner in Pakistan's olive oil journey. Through early-stage plantations, technical exchanges, farmer training, and mill infrastructure development, Italian-funded projects have laid a strong foundation for the industry's growth. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

Documented cigarette industry: FBR tax collection may fall significantly
Documented cigarette industry: FBR tax collection may fall significantly

Business Recorder

time2 hours ago

  • Business Recorder

Documented cigarette industry: FBR tax collection may fall significantly

ISLAMABAD: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tax collection from documented cigarette industry is expected to fall significantly as compared to last year, contrary to recent optimistic projections, highlighting growing challenges in the sector amid rising smuggling and regulatory inefficiencies. Industry sources dismissed NGOs' version that the government's revenue collection from the cigarette industry for fiscal year 2024-25 would reach PKR 285 billion. However, industry insiders and financial analysts caution that this figure is not grounded in factual analysis. Official sources indicate that the government is more likely to collect around PKR 250 billion, especially considering adjustments that will be made in June related to advance tax payments. A major factor behind the revenue shortfall is the exorbitant imposition of Adjustable Federal Excise Duty (FED) on acetate tow, a key raw material used in cigarette manufacturing. The industry had recommended an adjustable FED rate of PKR 4,000 per kg, which was intended to increase the cost of doing business for the illicit players and was supposed to be adjusted against the final tax liability improving documentation and reconciliation. Contrary to this recommendation, the government imposed a FED rate of PKR 44,000 per kilogramme, an eleven fold increase. This sharp rise has inadvertently made smuggling far more lucrative and has led to a dramatic increase in illicit activity. To underscore the severity of the smuggling issue, law enforcement agency officials have already seized 447 metric tons of acetate tow in 2025 alone. This quantity is roughly equivalent to seven billion cigarettes representing a massive loss of revenue and a major threat to the sustainability of legitimate businesses. Recently, the government issued an ordinance intended to empower provincial law enforcement agencies to conduct enforcement activities against the illicit cigarette sector. However, no official notification has been issued to implement this law, effectively delaying any meaningful action on the ground. Observers say this slow response risks allowing illegal cigarette smuggling to flourish unchecked, further eroding the government's revenue base. The government seems to be slow peddling the issue, which is unfortunate given the significant fiscal and social implications. As the fiscal year draws to a close, the government faces mounting pressure to address these regulatory and enforcement gaps to secure vital revenue and provide a level playing field for all players in the industry. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store