Global retailers and big-name brands are interested to source jeans from Bangladesh for marketing overseas in view of reasonable prices and qualities of the wears. Â
More than 50 companies from 14 countries are learnt to have confirmed their participation in an international denim expo to be held in Dhaka on November 11-12 for a spot check of the prospects.
Denim Expert Limited, a Bangladesh-Netherlands joint venture operating in the Chittagong-based Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone, is organising the apparel show to popularise the denim products across the world.
"At least 32 foreign companies have already confirmed their participation in the upcoming fair as they are interested to source trendy denim wear from Bangladesh at a lower cost," Mostafiz Uddin, managing director of the Denim Expert Limited co, told the FE.
The exhibitors from host Bangladesh, the USA, Japan, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Brazil, Turkey, China, Thailand, Sri Lanka, India and Pakistan are participating in the exhibition to showcase denim pants, fabrics and latest accessories.
The inaugural edition of Bangladesh Denim Expo will offer international fashion buyers a one-stop sourcing platform for all aspects of jeanswear, according to the organiser.
"I want to be the agent of change who, together with my friends and colleagues in the denim world, sets a new scene for how global buyers and brands see Bangladesh in the future," Mr. Mostafiz noted.
They also expect the show to advance compliance for health and safety.
"And it will have a strong focus on investment for education and training for young people," he said.
The organiser promised to donate surplus funds generated by the show to set up a denim university in Bangladesh.
 "To build a future, we must transfer knowledge internally to a new generation of designers, merchandisers, buyers, production technicians and entrepreneurs in the Bangladesh denim industry," Mr. Mostafiz observed.
The show is an exclusive event for authorised trade visitors, and will also feature a seminar focusing new trends, finishes and the latest washes, plus various workshops.
Bangladesh is world's second-largest producer of denim apparels after China, shipping more than 185 million pieces of wears across the globe and earning around US$ 600 million per annum.
Currently, there are 25 denim fabric manufacturers in Bangladesh, who meet about 40 per cent of the domestic demand and the remaining 60 per cent is imported from different countries, including China, India and Pakistan.
Bangladeshi entrepreneurs supply denim to major retailers and brands. In the trading line are H&M, Uniqlo, Levis, Nike, Tesco, Wrangler, s.Oliver, Hugo Boss, Puma, Primark, JC Penney, C&A, Tommy Hilfiger, Inditex, Walmart, M&S, Calvin Klein, Diesel, Gap, Channel and Dior and G-Star.
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