Italian fashion brand United Colors of Benetton has expressed its willingness to increase its apparel sourcing from Bangladesh.

Monica Joshi, head of operations of Benetton Asia Pacific Limited, apprised Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), of Benetton's plans when she called on him at BGMEA's office in Gulshan today.

During their discussions, Hassan highlighted the RMG industry's increased focus on diversification of products, especially non-cotton and high-end segments.

He requested Benetton to support and collaborate with their suppliers in Bangladesh to build their capacities in manufacturing apparel products having higher market demand.

He assured Benetton of all-out support from BGMEA to expand its suppliers' base and sourcing volume in Bangladesh.

The BGMEA president also pointed out that the increase in prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global supply chain has pushed up production costs in garment manufacturing.

In such context, he underscored the need for justified price and more empathy towards supply chain partners to make the supply chain sustainable, according to a statement from the BGMEA.