Exports to UK could hit $10b thru diversification beyond RMG

Bangladesh’s exports to the United Kingdom could reach US$10 billion if its share of the UK import market rises from 0.49% to 1%, experts said at a workshop in Dhaka on Wednesday.
They stressed the need to diversify beyond ready-made garments (RMG), meet international standards, modernise certification, ensure regulatory compliance and address tariff and non-tariff barriers.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), in collaboration with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the British High Commission, organised the workshop titled “Exporting to the UK: Opportunities Beyond RMG” at the DCCI Auditorium to highlight opportunities in non-RMG sectors and promote higher-value exports.
Only 6% of exports are non-RMG
Presenting the keynote paper, EPB Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Mohammad Hasan Arif, an additional secretary, said non-RMG products account for only around 6% of Bangladesh’s merchandise exports, despite strong UK demand for processed food, pharmaceuticals, footwear and furniture.
He urged exporters to address non-tariff barriers, comply with UK regulatory and product standards, and strengthen testing, certification and production capacities.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed stressed the need to improve quality, standards compliance, certification, traceability, branding and market intelligence. He also urged exporters to maximise benefits under the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and address tariff and non-tariff barriers.
UK highlights market access after LDC graduation
James Goldman, acting high commissioner at the British High Commission, highlighted the longstanding UK-Bangladesh partnership, saying continued UK market access after Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category would give businesses the certainty to plan, grow and invest. He encouraged more Bangladeshi firms to seize the opportunities.
A technical session on the DCTS, led by Ellie Parker, the high commission’s regional trade for development adviser for South Asia, Central Asia and the South Caucasus, covered market access before and after LDC graduation and procedures for claiming preferential tariff benefits.
Industry, govt discuss export challenges
Representatives from customs, footwear and leather goods, seafood, agro-processing, packaging and other sectors discussed ways to find UK buyers, prepare products for export, use DCTS preferences, navigate export procedures and address regulatory, technical and operational challenges. A question-and-answer session followed.
Speakers emphasised closer collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and development partners to diversify exports and improve competitiveness. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to expanding non-RMG exports and strengthening Bangladesh-UK trade ties.
DCCI Vice President Md Salem Sulaiman, members of the DCCI board and EPB officials also attended.