The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) aims to brighten the country's image and increase its apparel exports by hosting the first "Made in Bangladesh Week" from November 12, according to a top official of the organisation.

Through the event, to be held at the International Convention City Bashundhara, the BGMEA will celebrate the progress being made in the domestic garment industry and highlight its pursuit for sustainable growth, which will have positive impacts on the economy, environment and peoples' lives.

"This is a challenging time for the country and its garment sector due to the ongoing gas crisis and load-shedding," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said at a press conference with members of the Overseas Correspondents Association of Bangladesh at the former's head office in Dhaka yesterday.

In addition, the Russia-Ukraine war and high inflation across Europe are posing big challenges for the garment sector as exports slowed in the July-September period of the current fiscal year.

"So, holding a mega event like 'Made in Bangladesh Week' will help continue the commendable growth in garment exports as major international retailers, brands, stakeholders and manufacturers from across the world will participate in the event," he added.

Hassan went on to say that different issues such doing business in the post-pandemic era, how to survive in times of crisis, the latest fashion trends and the global supply chain will be discussed at the weeklong event.

Besides, holding this event will help find innovative solutions to cope with the double-digit inflation across Europe that has slowed garment shipments to the trade bloc in recent months, he said.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the event.

The apparel industry in Bangladesh has made significant moves toward sustainable manufacturing and continues to build a resilient ecosystem along with key stakeholders within the supply chain.

In the past decade, the industry has undergone a massive transformation to ensure workplace safety, workers' well-being and environmental sustainability.

Going forward, the vision is to pursue new areas of opportunity and excellence. So, this mega event aims to draw a strategic alignment among broader stakeholders toward a modern, responsible and sustainable supply chain.

Hassan then said the event will accommo-date a number of programs, including the third edition of the Dhaka Apparel Summit, 37th World Fashion Convention by IAF, various expos and awards, green factory tour, cultural and fashion shows, and so on.

The event will be instrumental in telling compelling stories of the local garment sector, especially its strides in areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability and workers' well-being.

The industry's moves in enhancing competitiveness through innovation, diversification, upgrading technology, and up-skilling will be also highlighted, he added.

While this event will contribute to changing the narrative of the garment industry and showcase Bangladesh as a value-added apparel-producing nation, it will also bring new and innovative business opportunities for the country to demonstrate its strength to the global audience, the BGMEA said in a statement.