A delegation of the Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), led by its President Shawkat Aziz Russell, met with the Prime Minister on Wednesday to discuss the challenges facing the country’s textile industry and seek policy support for its sustainable growth and revival.

During the meeting, the BTMA delegation highlighted the textile sector’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economy, noting that it accounts for around 13 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). They also emphasized that the sector plays a vital role in supporting the ready-made garment (RMG) industry, which generates nearly 85 percent of Bangladesh’s total export earnings.

The delegation said the domestic textile industry saves approximately US$2 billion in foreign exchange each year by replacing imports and creates employment opportunities for a large number of people across the country.

The discussion focused on enhancing the global competitiveness of the textile sector, encouraging new investment, increasing domestic value addition, and ensuring the industry’s long-term sustainable development.

Among those present at the meeting were BTMA President Shawkat Aziz Russell; BTMA Vice President and Jamuna Group Managing Director Shamim Islam; former BTMA President A. Matin Chowdhury; former Director Syed Enayet Kabir; Engineer Rajib Haidar; and current Director Chowdhury Mohammad Hanif Soyeab, among others.