After going from strength to strength over the last four decades, Bangladesh's garment industry suffered something of a shock last year when it fell behind Vietnam as a sourcing destination.
That was largely down to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic which saw the bulk of the country's 3,500 garment factories closed for up to two months and cost the industry US$3.26 billion in order cancellations, although most of these were subsequently reinstated.
Faruque Hassan, who became the president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in April, has recently led a charm offensive designed at cementing his country's role as a leading sourcing destination for brands.
