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Bangladesh is quietly rewriting its economic story. Once known primarily for its ready-made garments, the country is now emerging as a diversified trade hub in Asia. Its export basket is expanding—and so is its global relevance.     Earnings from exports have always been the nation’s driving force, and the last fiscal year was no different. Apparels played a dominant role, earning $48 billion, while other sectors also expanded their global reach.   “Bangladesh’s export basket did not widen overnight—it was hard-won,” said Moynul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Ceramic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BCMEA).   “And now Bangladesh is home to a vibrant young population—more active and intelligent than their predecessors,” said Islam, who also serves as vice chairman of Monno Group.   “From ceramics to garments, pharmaceuticals to electronics, this generational shift is redefining the business landscape and accelerating new export frontiers, positioning Bangladesh as one of Asia’s most promising investment and trade destinations,” he added.   RMG : The Backbone of Bangladesh’s Trade   Garments remain Bangladesh’s strongest export pillar, contributing over $39 billion in FY2024-25 knitwear and woven categories combined. Knitwear alone earned $21.1 billion, while woven garments brought in $18.1 billion, according to data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB).     The sector’s strength lies in its scale and adaptability. Bangladesh retained its position as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter in 2024, as confirmed by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Exports to non-traditional markets are rising, and shipments to the USA grew by 29 percent between January and April 2025.   Yet, the industry faces headwinds. Rising production costs, energy inefficiencies, and compliance pressures are squeezing margins. Extortion in industrial belts and loan defaults among top exporters have also raised concerns, as noted by Bangladesh Bank.   To stay competitive, the sector is embracing green manufacturing and automation. Over 260 factories are now LEED-certified, and green factories enjoy tax incentives and higher buyer preference. With continued investment in sustainability and worker welfare, RMG is poised to remain Bangladesh’s trade anchor.   Home Textile: The Quiet Climber   Once a niche category, home textiles have become Bangladesh’s second-largest textile export segment. The sector continued growing despite global challenges, earning $871 million in the last fiscal year.   The rise of wellness living and interior-focused consumption has boosted demand for bed linens, curtains, and towels. Bangladesh’s manufacturers are responding with eco-friendly fabrics and design-led collections.   However, the sector remains vulnerable to tariff uncertainties, especially in the US market. To mitigate this, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) recommends diversifying export destinations and investing in design innovation.   With stable growth and rising global demand for sustainable home goods, Bangladesh’s home textile sector is quietly climbing the ranks.   Leather and Leathergoods: A Legacy in Transition   Bangladesh’s leather sector has shown resilient performance, earning over $1 billion annually since FY2018-19. Once hailed as the country’s second-largest export earner, the sector has struggled with environmental compliance and infrastructure bottlenecks.     Shipments of leather and leathergoods have slowed due to delays in setting up the Central Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP) in Savar, said Arifur Rahman Chowdhury, general manager of ABC Footwear Industries Ltd, a concern of Abedin Group.   “Without the CETP, many tanneries fail to meet global environmental standards, particularly the Leather Working Group (LWG) certification required by most European buyers,” he noted.   Chowdhury added that the CETP’s completion would resolve nearly 80% of the sector’s challenges.   Still, there is hope. According to the Leather Goods and Footwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), 80 percent of exports go to just 10 countries—highlighting the potential for market expansion. With renewed focus on compliance and branding, leather could reclaim its place as a premium export.   Frozen and Live Fish: The Blue Economy Awakens   Bangladesh’s quiet revolution in aquaculture has made it a regional leader in sustainable fish farming. The country’s fisheries sector earned around half a billion US dollars in the last fiscal year, reflecting steady demand for shrimp, pangasius, and tilapia.     Bangladesh Bank and the Ministry of Fisheries are working on improving traceability and certification standards. Yet, export volumes remain modest due to quality inconsistencies and limited cold-chain infrastructure.   With rising global interest in clean protein and sustainable seafood, Bangladesh’s fish exports could scale rapidly—if supported by investment in logistics and branding.   Empowering smallholder farmers with training, digital tools, and access to finance could unlock further growth. Strengthening community-based hatcheries and eco-friendly practices would ensure sustainability, while coordinated branding could position Bangladesh as a trusted global seafood supplier.   Agricultural Commodities: A Sleeping Giant   Agricultural exports brought in just over $1 billion in FY2024-25, led by fruits, vegetables, and processed foods. Mangoes, in particular, saw a rebound thanks to improved quality and packaging.   However, the sector suffers from fragmented supply chains and slow policy support. Export growth has been inconsistent, and agricultural products face steep competition from regional players.     The Ministry of Agriculture and EPB are now focusing on diaspora-driven demand and organic certification. Digital platforms for farm-to-market linkages, real-time price data, and quality monitoring could reduce inefficiencies and empower growers.   Strategic partnerships with private investors and international buyers would further enhance competitiveness, ensuring that Bangladesh’s produce earns recognition in premium global markets and that agri-exports become a major growth engine.   Pharmaceuticals: The Next Frontier   Bangladesh now exports medicines to more than 160 countries after meeting 98 percent of its domestic demand, including shipments to highly regulated markets in Europe and North America.   Pharmaceutical exports have nearly doubled in recent years to about $215 million, driven by WHO-compliant manufacturing facilities and competitively priced generic formulations.   According to Md Zakir Hossain, secretary general of the Bangladesh Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (BAPI), exports could have easily surpassed the one-billion-dollar mark if not for a series of global setbacks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ukraine–Russia war, and the ongoing devaluation of the Taka against