The Textile Sourcing Meet ’22 (TSM Dhaka), hosted by SOWTEX—a leading B2B marketplace for the fashion and textile industry—was successfully organized in collaboration with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Garment Executives Association (BGEA), and the Indian Importers Chambers of Commerce and Industry (IICCI). The event took place on September 17th & 18th, 2022, at Radisson Blu, Dhaka Water Garden, marking a first-of-its-kind Buyer-Seller Meet that brought together top textile industry stakeholders from Bangladesh and India in a collaborative environment.            

Grand Inauguration and Notable Dignitaries  

The event was inaugurated by Mr. Tipu Munshi, Hon’ble Commerce Minister of Bangladesh, as the Chief Guest. The Guests of Honour included:           

• Mr. Faruque Hassan – President, BGMEA

• Mr. Shahidullah Azim – Vice President, BGMEA

• Ms. Neela Hosna Ara – Director, BGMEA

• Mr. Atul Saxena – President, IICCI

• Mr. Masudur Rahman – President, BGEA

• Mr. Shovon Islam – Chairman, Press & Publicity, BGMEA

• Ms. Shwapna Bhowmick – Country Head, M&S           
  
  

The event saw a remarkable footfall of over 900+ top fashion buyers, exporters, and manufacturers over two days, with several esteemed delegates and dignitaries from India and Bangladesh in attendance. Key figures included:         

• Mr. Emdad Miazi – General Secretary, BGEA

• Ms. Jannatul Ferdous Nipa – Director RMG, IICCI

• Mr. Kamal Uddin – Chairman, Standing Committee on Trade Fair, BGMEA

• Mr. Mir Ripon – Chairman, Standing Committee of Market Development, BGMEA

• Mr. Umesh Gaur – Asia Head, Tukatech

• Ms. Ann Mary – Director, X Ray Jeans

• Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee – Director, BGMEA & Envoy Design Ltd.

• Mr. Manjit Singh Saini – CEO, Paramount Instruments

• Mr. Mofazzel Hossain Povel – MD, Dongyi Sourcing Ltd.

• Mr. Rana – Director, Union Group

• Mr. Asiful Islam Arif – Sr. Sales Manager, Coats Digital

• Mr. Manan Gondalia – Director, Yes Fashions Ltd.

• Mr. Rajib K Islam – Head, Allure Sourcing

• Mr. Vaibhav Arora – MD, Rasik Vatika

• Mr. Amit K Biswas – Director, Chaity Group

• Mr. Kamal Kulshreshtha – Head of International Business Development, Colorjet

• Mr. Abrar Hossain – Director, Sayem Group

• Ms. Kyaw Sein Thay – MD, Cloth “R” Us Ltd.

• Mr. Swapan Kumar Saha – KGS Sourcing

• Mr. Keshav Choudhary – Krishna Fashion

• Mr. Amit Kansal – Acme Fashion     
  
  

The event also welcomed members from BGMEA, BKGEA, BGEA, BGBA, BTMA, FBCCI, and BKMEA, strengthening regional textile industry ties.             

Showcasing Textile Innovations and Sustainability              

TSM Dhaka ’22 featured textile companies specializing in fabric, trims, and yarn from India and Bangladesh, highlighting their product development capabilities, unique selling points (USPs), and innovations in line with global trends. The event provided an opportunity for fashion buyers and manufacturers seeking high-quality, sustainable, and innovative materials for international markets.       

A key highlight of the event was the vision shared by BGMEA President, Mr. Faruque Hassan, on working towards a $100 billion textile industry by 2030 through deeper engagement and an integrated textile value chain between India and Bangladesh. The event featured:   

• Panel interactions with top delegates

• Networking and business growth sessions

• Product development displays and trend forecasting   
  
  

Key Panel Discussions and Insights    
Day 1:     

Panel discussions covered crucial topics such as: 

• “Bridging the Sourcing Gap between India & Bangladesh”

• “Stitching the Value Chain with Sustainability & Traceability” 
  
  

Speakers deliberated on:  

• Easing cross-border trade barriers

• Enhancing raw material transportation between India and Bangladesh

• Boosting exports and imports

• India’s growing role as a major sourcing partner for raw materials

• The urgent need for more B2B meets and improved infrastructure          
  
  

Day 2:          
The second day introduced the concept of Metaverse in the textile industry and Experiential Commerce, alongside:   

• A Digital Fashion Show

• Panel discussions on Sustainable Product Development

• How to Incorporate Trends in Sustainable Fashion   
  
  

Key discussion points included:  

• Product diversification and sustainable sourcing alternatives

• Traceability in textiles and its impact on sustainability          
  
  

Event Partners and Conclusion         
TSM Dhaka ’22 was supported by: 

• Tukatech – Technology Partner

• Paramount Instruments – Event Partner

• Radisson Blu – Hospitality Partner          
  
  

The event proved to be an enriching experience for the textile industry, fostering collaboration between India and Bangladesh. With its success, TSM Dhaka ’22 is expected to set a strong precedent for future collaborations in the textile and fashion industry.