Technological modernisation, capacity building and supportive policies are crucial to ensuring the long-term sustainability and global competitiveness of Bangladesh’s RMG sector. Alongside enhancing workforce skills, a strong shift towards smart manufacturing and green technologies is now imperative- said industry leaders and policymakers at the inauguration of the country’s largest garment technology exhibition GTB 2026 (Garment Technology Bangladesh) and GAPExpo 2026, a press release said.
The four-day exhibition, jointly organised by ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. and the Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), commenced today at the Expo Village of International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). Concurrently with GTB and GAPExpo, Bangladesh Yarn Fabrics Accessories Show 2026 is also being held at ICCB.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, BNP Standing Committee Member and former Minister of Commerce, as the chief guest. NBR Chairman Md Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA was present as the Guest of Honor. Other distinguished guests were FBCCI Administrator Md Abdur Rahim Khan, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem, BGMEA Acting President Salim Rahman, Bangladesh Association of Banks (BAB) chairman Abdul Hai Sarker and BGAPMEA President Md. Shahriar.
Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said, ‘Bangladesh continues to maintain a strong position in the global ready-made garments market. However, we must further enhance our capacity to remain competitive. We need to move beyond relying solely on labor and place greater emphasis on capacity building, technological advancement, and smart manufacturing. This will not only reduce operational costs and improve efficiency but also create new employment opportunities’.
NBR Chairman Md. Abdur Rahman Khan FCMA said, ‘Bangladesh has the capacity to become a fully industrialized nation. To achieve this goal, it is essential to reduce the hassles faced by businesses and ensure policy transparency. This requires becoming technology-friendly. The more technology-driven we become, the fewer obstacles businesses will face’.
BGAPMEA President Md. Shahriar said, ‘BGAPMEA and ASK are working together to advance the country’s apparel industry by promoting garments machinery, accessories, packaging products, and raw materials of the sector, as well as by exploring new buyers. This fair is a reflection of that joint effort’.
GTB 2026 showcases a wide range of state-of-the-art garment machinery, accessories, packaging solutions, yarn and fabrics, creating significant opportunities for local manufacturers to access advanced technologies under one roof. Alongside GTB 2026, two other major exhibitions are being held concurrently — GAPExpo 2026, the largest garments accessories and packaging exhibition in Bangladesh, and Bangladesh Yarn Fabrics & Accessories 2026.
More than 450 brands from over 15 countries are participating in the exhibition, displaying their products across 1,500 booths, making it the largest garment technology event in the country.
Tipu Sultan Bhuiyan, Managing Director of ASK Trade & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. said technological transformation is no longer optional for Bangladesh’s garment industry. ‘GTB provides a unique platform where entrepreneurs can explore the latest global innovations and directly source technologies best suited for their factories, helping them enhance efficiency and sustainability’ he said.
Over the past 22 years, GTB has established itself as the most preferred platform for sourcing cutting-edge sewing, finishing, embroidery machinery and spare parts from leading global technology providers. Meanwhile, GAPExpo remains the sole and largest exhibition dedicated exclusively to garments accessories and packaging for BGAPMEA members.
The exhibition will remain open to visitors from today, January 14 to January 17, daily from 11 am to 7pm.
