Bangladesh’s exports to the UK could reach USD 10 billion if its share of the UK import market increases from 0.49% to 1%. Participants emphasized the need to diversify exports beyond RMG, meet international standards, modernize certification processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and address tariff and non-tariff barriers.
Against this backdrop, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) jointly organized a workshop titled “Exporting to the UK: Opportunities Beyond RMG” in collaboration with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the British High Commission in Bangladesh today at the DCCI Auditorium in Dhaka. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of UK market opportunities, particularly in non-RMG sectors, and promote export diversification and higher-value exports.
DCCI President Taskeen Ahmed emphasized the need to diversify Bangladesh’s UK exports beyond RMG by improving product quality, standards compliance, certification, traceability, branding and market intelligence. He also highlighted the importance of utilizing DCTS benefits and addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers to strengthen bilateral trade and investment.
James Goldman, Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Bangladesh, highlighted the longstanding UK–Bangladesh partnership, noting that continued UK market access after LDC graduation would provide businesses with the certainty to plan, grow and invest. He encouraged more Bangladeshi businesses to capitalize on these opportunities.
Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive (Additional Secretary) of EPB, presented the keynote paper on UK market opportunities, with a focus on Export Proliferation, Diversification and opportunities for higher-value, non-RMG exports. In his presentation he highlighted opportunities to diversify Bangladesh’s exports to the UK, noting that non-RMG products account for only around 6% of merchandise exports despite strong demand for processed food, pharmaceuticals, footwear and furniture. He emphasized addressing non-tariff barriers, meeting UK regulatory and product standards, and strengthening testing, certification and production capacities to enhance export competitiveness
A technical session on the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) was conducted by Ms. Ellie Parker, Regional Trade for Development Adviser for South Asia, Central Asia and the South Caucasus at the British High Commission. The session covered current and post-LDC graduation market-access opportunities under the DCTS, practical guidance on claiming preferential tariff benefits, and key considerations for Bangladeshi exporters seeking to enter or expand their presence in the UK market.
An industry-government panel discussion brought together representatives from customs, footwear and leather goods, seafood, agro-processing, packaging, and other business sectors. The discussion focused on identifying market opportunities in the UK, preparing products for export, effectively utilizing DCTS preferences, navigating export procedures, and addressing common regulatory, technical and operational challenges faced by exporters.
The workshop also featured an interactive question-and-answer session, allowing participants to exchange views and seek practical guidance on accessing the UK market.
The discussions underscored the importance of strengthening collaboration among government agencies, the private sector and development partners to diversify Bangladesh’s export basket, enhance product competitiveness, improve compliance with international standards, and maximize available preferential market-access opportunities. These efforts are particularly important as Bangladesh prepares for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.
The programme concluded with closing remarks and an exchange of views among the participants, reaffirming the shared commitment to expanding Bangladesh’s non-RMG exports and strengthening trade relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.
DCCI Vice President Md. Salem Sulaiman, members of the DCCI Board of Directors, officials from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), distinguished representatives from both the public and private sectors were also present at the workshop.