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Business & Economy

Export bureau looks beyond garments for district-level products

The Export Promotion Bureau is asking district administrations to identify locally produced goods that could compete in overseas markets. Officials say about one-third of districts have submitted initial reports. The exercise aims to diversify exports beyond ready-made garments, which still account for the overwhelming majority of Bangladesh's merchandise export earnings.

From 9 October 2026 — Daily Brief

Bangladesh’s Export Promotion Bureau has begun a district-by-district effort to identify products with export potential outside the ready-made garment sector.

The bureau is requesting information from local administrations on goods that could be developed, marketed and sold competitively abroad. Around one-third of districts have already submitted initial reports, EPB officials said on 8 October.

Garments account for roughly 80–82% of the country’s annual export earnings, making the economy sensitive to demand and trade-policy changes in a relatively small number of foreign clothing markets.

The initiative seeks to uncover opportunities in sectors that may lack export networks, quality certification or market information even where local production exists.

Compiling lists is only a starting point. Converting promising products into sustained exports will require investment, testing standards, logistics, buyer connections and consistent policy support.

Source: Original reporting.

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