Saudi entrepreneurs are so impressed with Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector that they are looking beyond importing products—they want to establish factories in their own country with Bangladeshi collaboration. Their goal is to expand the RMG business across the Middle East. The idea came to light during a factory visit as part of a business summit, where Saudi representatives shared their plans.
Despite various challenges and criticisms, Bangladesh’s RMG sector continues to hold its head high in the global market. Over 150 factories have achieved environmental certifications, workplace conditions have significantly improved, and factory owners are increasingly taking initiatives to enhance workers’ quality of life.
Last Friday, Dr. Khalid Al Harbi, a member of the Saudi delegation attending the business summit, visited several factories of the Amanat Shah Group in Narsingdi. He inspected the effluent treatment plants (ETP), yarn-to-fabric production processes, and overall working conditions. Highly satisfied with the operations and fabric quality, he proposed setting up factories in Saudi Arabia to expand business across the Gulf region.
Dr. Khalid Al Harbi said, “I visited several factories. I don’t just want to import products—I want to adopt this factory. Outstanding work is being done here. Bangladesh primarily exports to Europe and the US, but we see significant potential in the Gulf region and will focus on boosting exports there.”
Bangladeshi entrepreneurs are encouraged by this interest, noting that the Middle East could become an alternative market for Bangladesh. However, new investments would need to consider local consumer preferences and apparel styles in the region.
Saudi Arabia alone imports nearly $8 billion worth of garments annually, with other Middle Eastern countries also heavily dependent on imports. Business leaders stress that capturing this market will require close and coordinated efforts from both the government and private sectors.
