Italy is stepping up its engagement with Bangladesh’s textile industry as a delegation of leading Italian textile machinery manufacturers visited the country to strengthen technology partnerships, promote investment, and expand industrial cooperation.
Speaking during a textile technology workshop and business-to-business (B2B) meeting held at the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) on July 9, Italian Ambassador Antonio Alessandro highlighted Bangladesh’s growing importance as a strategic partner for Italian textile technology suppliers.
The ambassador said the delegation, comprising 11 Italian textile machinery manufacturers and organized by the Association of Italian Textile Machinery Manufacturers (ACIMIT) in cooperation with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), visited Bangladesh to showcase advanced machinery, innovative technologies, and sustainable manufacturing solutions while establishing new partnerships with local textile producers.
“Italian companies have come to present their latest technologies, innovative solutions and machinery while building new relationships with Bangladeshi textile manufacturers. We have received a very positive response,” Alessandro said.
Four Decades of Textile Cooperation
Alessandro noted that the relationship between Italy and Bangladesh’s garment industry dates back more than 40 years, with Italian companies playing an important role during the early development of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment sector in the 1980s.
He described Chattogram as one of Bangladesh’s most dynamic economic centers and encouraged more Italian businesses to visit the country to better understand its industrial potential.
“Every time I visit Chattogram, I see a vibrant economic hub with tremendous business potential. It is important for Italian companies to experience these opportunities firsthand,” he said.
Focus on Technology Upgrading and Sustainability
While praising Bangladesh’s textile industry for its technological progress and improved workplace safety over the past decade, particularly following the Rana Plaza tragedy, the ambassador stressed that continued competitiveness will depend on innovation and diversification.
He said Bangladesh’s textile industry, which exports more than US$40 billion annually, should continue upgrading its production capabilities through advanced machinery, innovative materials, and environmentally sustainable manufacturing technologies.
“There is still significant potential through new materials, advanced technologies and greener manufacturing,” Alessandro said.
Read More: Italian Textile Machinery Excellence Makes a Double Stop in Bangladesh
Italy Encourages New Investment
The ambassador described the current period as an important opportunity for European companies to strengthen cooperation with Bangladesh as the country moves toward greater political stability.
Although acknowledging that foreign investors often face regulatory and legal challenges when entering new markets, he expressed confidence that Bangladesh remains an attractive destination for Italian investment.
“There are challenges, but they are worth overcoming. We believe foreign investment in Bangladesh can continue to grow successfully through strong partnerships,” he said.
Industry Leaders Discuss Future Cooperation
The workshop, hosted by the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) under the leadership of President Amirul Haque, brought together Italian textile machinery manufacturers alongside leading Bangladeshi textile and apparel executives.
Industry representatives discussed opportunities for technology transfer, industrial modernization, sustainable manufacturing, and expanding bilateral business cooperation.
Among the speakers were Mohammad Mohsin Chowdhury, Vice Chairman of PHP Family; Salman Ispahani, Managing Director of Ispahani Group; Sayed Tanvir, Managing Director of Pacific Jeans Group; Abu Tayyab, Managing Director of Independent Apparels; and former BGMEA Vice President MA Salam.
With Bangladesh continuing to modernize its textile industry and Italian manufacturers seeking stronger international partnerships, both sides see significant opportunities for expanding collaboration in textile technology, sustainable production, and future investment.
