State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam on Saturday said Bangladesh and India can offer a tough race for other competitors in global textile business considering India as one of the top cotton exporting countries.
“As a historic all-weather friend, India as a cotton exporting country should be on top of our lists for a win-win situation for both the countries,” he said, reports UNB.
The State Minister was addressing the second Bangladesh-India Cotton Fest 2020 at a city hotel.
Prime Minister’s Adviser Salman F Rahman spoke as the chief guest.
President of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) Sheikh Fazle Fahim, President, BTMA Mohammad Ali Khokon President, IBCCI Abdul Matlub Ahmad, President, ICAL (Indian Cotton Association Ltd) Mahesh Sharda, President, BCA (Bangladesh Cotton Association) Sultan Riaz Chowdhury were present.
Shahriar said over the last ten fiscal years, under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, cotton production has been remarkably increased from 70,000 bales to 1,77,887 bales.
However, he said, domestic production is still inadequate compared to yearly demand of around eight million bales.
He said Bangladesh aimed to double its apparel exports over the next five years and laid emphasis on the importance of maintaining secure and quality cotton imports from its top supplier.
“We know that India produces cotton in diverse varieties–coarse to fine; short, long and extra-long staple; organic and colored cottons–making India a crucial player in the global cotton market,” Shahriar said.
The State Minister said cotton stands as a lifeline of Bangladesh’s export economy.❐
