Bangladesh is poised to climb to the number one spot in garment exports with the right strategies and reforms, said Kihak Sung, founder of the Korean Export Processing Zone.

"Bangladesh currently holds the position of the world's second-largest apparel exporter as a single country," he said today while speaking as the keynote speaker at a session of the Bangladesh Investment Summit 2025.

He delivered a presentation titled "Bangladesh Moving Forward: Through an Investor's Lens" at the session on "Textile and Apparel" at the InterContinental Dhaka hotel.

To achieve the target of reaching the top position, he said Bangladesh must enhance its use of technology, improve workers' skills, and establish its own production facilities for man-made fibres.

He also highlighted the importance of policy support and the need for a greater number of bonded warehouses.

"These will enable quicker access to raw materials, allowing manufacturers to produce and export finished goods more efficiently," he added.

Commenting on recent trade developments, Sung said, "The three-month suspension of the Trump-era tariff policy brings some relief. The Bangladesh government's proactive measures in this regard are commendable."

Looking ahead, he stressed the need for value-added production.

"We must focus on producing high-value garments; otherwise, it will become increasingly difficult to remain competitive in the global market," he warned.

Anwar Hossain, administrator of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association and vice-chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau, also spoke at the event.