14/10/2026
🇧🇩🇬🇧 EPB, DCCI and British High Commission Organize Workshop on Exporting to the UK: Opportunities Beyond RMG
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Bangladesh’s exports to the UK could reach USD 10 billion if the country increases its share of the UK import market from 0.49% to 1%, highlighting significant opportunities to diversify exports beyond the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector.
The Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), in collaboration with the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) and the British High Commission in Bangladesh, organized a workshop titled “Exporting to the UK: Opportunities Beyond RMG” today at the DCCI Auditorium in Dhaka.
🎯 Key Highlights of the Workshop:
🔹 Export Diversification: Exploring opportunities in processed food, pharmaceuticals, footwear, leather goods, seafood, furniture and other non-RMG sectors.
🔹 UK Market Access: Understanding the benefits of the UK Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), including preferential tariff opportunities before and after LDC graduation.
🔹 International Standards & Compliance: Strengthening product quality, testing, certification, traceability, branding and regulatory compliance to enhance export competitiveness.
🔹 Industry–Government Collaboration: Addressing tariff and non-tariff barriers, streamlining export procedures and helping Bangladeshi businesses navigate the UK market.
Mr. Taskeen Ahmed, President of DCCI, emphasized the importance of product diversification, quality improvement and effective utilization of DCTS benefits.
Mr. James Goldman, Acting High Commissioner of the British High Commission in Bangladesh, highlighted the longstanding UK–Bangladesh partnership and the importance of continued market access in creating opportunities for Bangladeshi businesses.
Mr. Mohammad Hasan Arif, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive (Additional Secretary) of EPB, presented the keynote paper, highlighting opportunities for export diversification, higher-value products and stronger competitiveness in the UK market. Ms. Ellie Parker, Regional Trade for Development Adviser for South Asia, Central Asia and the South Caucasus at the British High Commission, conducted a technical session on DCTS and practical guidance for exporters.
An industry–government panel discussion and interactive Q&A session further explored practical challenges and opportunities for Bangladeshi exporters.
🌍 The Way Forward
As Bangladesh prepares for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category, diversifying exports beyond RMG, strengthening compliance with international standards and maximizing preferential market-access opportunities will be crucial to sustaining export growth.
The workshop reaffirmed the shared commitment of EPB, DCCI, the British High Commission and the private sector to expanding Bangladesh’s non-RMG exports and strengthening trade and investment relations between Bangladesh and the United Kingdom.