BTJ: Over the past decade, how has the trade volume between Italy and Bangladesh evolved, and which sectors have contributed the most to this growth?
Abdullah: Trade between Italy and Bangladesh has expanded noticeably over the last ten years, reaching roughly €2.7 billion in 2023 and around €2.2 billion in 2024 (with quarter-by-quarter fluctuations reported in recent data). Growth has been driven primarily by ready-made garments (RMG) and textiles—Bangladesh’s dominant export sector—while footwear, leather goods, and some manufactured inputs have also increased in
significance for bilateral flows.
BTJ: Besides RMG sector, which emerging industries in Bangladesh do you think offer the most potential for Italian investors and exporters?
Abdullah: Beyond RMG, promising sectors for Italian involvement include leather and footwear, pharmaceuticals, agro-processing and food ingredients, ICT/digital services, light engineering and components, and renewable energy equipment.
These sectors are expanding as Bangladesh pursues diversification and higher-value manufacturing, making them attractive for Italian machinery, chemical inputs, and design/brand expertise.
BTJ: How does ITA plan to support Italian companies in navigating Bangladesh’s regulatory, infrastructural, and logistical challenges?
Abdullah: ITA (Italian Trade Agency) supports Italian firms via its country desk and services package: Market reports and regulatory briefs, matchmaking with vetted local partners, organization of trade missions and exhibition participations (DTG, Denim Expo), and practical assistance on local rules, customs, and logistics. ITA’s Bangladesh country material (reports and event calendars) and its local representative are positions through which companies can obtain tailored advisory and in-market facilitation.
BTJ: Do you foresee Italian SMEs or industrial clusters setting up production or assembly facilities in Bangladesh to serve the Asian market?
Abdullah: Yes, there is growing interest, particularly for labor-intensive, light assembly, and footwear/ leather clusters and for firms seeking cost-competitive manufacturing bases. Italian SMEs that combine design/technology with local manufacturing (for example in footwear, certain textile segments, and components) may consider local setups, especially where incentives, reliable local partners, and supply-chain complementarities exist. However, decisions will
hinge on infrastructure, logistics reliability, and access to regional markets.
BTJ: What role can Italian technology—especially in automation, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing—play in helping Bangladesh meet its Vision 2041 goals?
Abdullah: Italian technology can support Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 by enabling energy efficiency (industrial automation and cogeneration), expanding renewable generation (solar, wind, biomass), and improving sustainable textile manufacturing (water and chemical management, waste treatment, energy-smart machinery). Collaboration combining Italian cleantech,
process automation, and circular-economy know-how with local industry would accelerate value-added production while reducing environmental footprint.
BTJ: Is ITA considering organizing more frequent trade missions, exhibitions, or matchmaking events in Bangladesh to strengthen B2B connections?
Abdullah: Yes, the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) is actively considering organizing more frequent trade missions, exhibitions, and matchmaking events in Bangladesh to further strengthen B2B connections. In fact, in 2024, a delegation of thirteen leading Bangladeshi garments and textile business leaders visited the ACIMIT headquarters in Italy, a mission organized and sponsored by ITA, showcasing its commitment to connecting industries. ITA has also broadened its scope beyond textiles—Bangladesh is now included in the upcoming Più Libri Più Liberi (PLPL) 2025 fair in Rome, where Bangladeshi publishers will participate, strengthening cultural and publishing industry ties.
Nationally, ITA has been very active in promoting Italian technology and innovation through sector-specific exhibitions in Bangladesh. In garments and textiles, ITA has already participated in key events such as DTG and the Bangladesh Denim Expo, where ACIMIT and the latest Italian textile innovations were presented. Looking ahead, ITA is considering participation in the Ceramic Expo to showcase Italian ceramic technologies and the BAPA Food Pro Expo to introduce Italian food processing and packaging solutions to the Bangladeshi market.
Moreover, ITA works in close alignment with the Embassy of Italy in Dhaka, supporting business matchmaking by connecting associations, facilitating direct engagements between local industries and Italian companies, and helping build stronger networks across multiple sectors. This coordinated approach ensures that Italian innovation and expertise continue to reach Bangladeshi businesses, fostering sustainable trade relations.
BTJ: In your opinion, what are the biggest untapped opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters in the Italian market beyond garments and textiles? Is there any plan for FTA with Bangladesh in near future?
Abdullah: Untapped opportunities for Bangladesh in Italy include processed foods and agri-commodities, leather and footwear (upgraded segments), home textiles and decor, jute/value-added natural-fiber products, and selected light manufacturing (e.g., furniture, household accessories). As for an FTA, Italy would pursue FTAs as part of E.U. trade policy and, for the time being, there is no publicly announced E.U.-Bangladesh FTA in the near term.
BTJ: What is your long-term vision for Italy–Bangladesh trade relations by 2030, and how do you see ITA’s role evolving to achieve that vision?
Abdullah: The long-term vision is a diversified, higher-value partnership: Bangladesh moving up the value chain while Italy supplies high-quality machinery, design, renewable energy, and sustainable manufacturing solutions. ITA’s role will likely expand from matchmaking and trade promotion to deeper project facilitation—helping implement joint ventures, green-tech projects, capacity-building, and sectoral roadmaps that support sustainable industrialization and two-way investment flows. Continued Embassy–ITA collaboration and periodic targeted missions would be central to realizing this vision.
