Bangladesh’s garment exporters see significant opportunities in Latin America if a trade agreement is concluded with the Mercosur bloc, a South American common market with a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion. Industry leaders said such an agreement could open new growth avenues for Bangladesh’s apparel exports, particularly as the country prepares for post–least developed country (LDC) graduation.
The issue was discussed during a meeting between leaders of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Uruguay’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, Alberto Guani, held at the BGMEA office in Dhaka.
BGMEA representatives noted that Bangladeshi apparel exports currently face relatively high import duties in Mercosur markets, including Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia. An eventual free trade agreement (FTA) with the bloc, they said, would help reduce tariff barriers and support two-way trade.
According to BGMEA, Uruguay could play a strategic role as a regional hub, with its efficient ports and transport infrastructure enabling Bangladeshi exporters to access the wider Mercosur market more effectively. Leaders also stressed that deeper trade ties would help Bangladesh diversify export destinations at a time when traditional markets are becoming more competitive.
BGMEA Director Sumaiya Islam said Bangladesh could receive preferential treatment for garment exports to Uruguay under an FTA, particularly if the country increases imports of wool from Uruguay, creating mutual benefits. Uruguay’s Honorary Consul in Bangladesh, Mostafa Quamrus Sobhan, added that Uruguayan Merino wool is globally recognized for its traceability certification, which could enhance the competitiveness of Bangladeshi garments in premium markets.
Senior Vice President of BGMEA Inamul Haq Khan highlighted the scale and capabilities of Bangladesh’s garment industry, noting that despite being the world’s second-largest apparel exporter, Bangladesh has yet to make a strong entry into Latin American markets. He called for stronger state-level cooperation to unlock this potential.
BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury described Uruguay as a potential “gateway” for Bangladeshi readymade garments into the broader Mercosur region, while Director Sheikh Hossain Muhammad Mustafiz said sourcing wool from Uruguay could support product diversification and value addition.
Ambassador Guani expressed interest in increasing imports of Bangladeshi garments and proposed expanding exports of fully traceable Uruguayan wool to Bangladesh. He also informed that Uruguay has requested Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a delegation, with BGMEA representatives included, to explore deeper trade cooperation.
During the meeting, BGMEA leaders also called for simplified visa procedures to facilitate greater business-to-business engagement between the two countries.
