Business Desk:
The New Zealand government has expressed interest in providing technical and strategic cooperation for the economic and industrial development of Bangladesh, said New Zealand’s Non-Resident High Commissioner to Bangladesh David Pyne.
He said that Bangladesh specifically expects New Zealand’s cooperation in certain areas, and if a detailed outline is provided, the two countries will be able to move towards an effective and fruitful partnership.
He made these remarks during a bilateral meeting held with BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan at the BGMEA office in Uttara on Thursday (21 May 2026) morning. The meeting discussed in detail the expansion of trade between the two countries, creation of new investment opportunities and strengthening long-term strategic cooperation.
In the meeting, the BGMEA President welcomed the High Commissioner’s proposal for cooperation. He said that BGMEA is working towards increasing readymade garment exports to $100 billion by 2035. To achieve this goal and considering the changing realities of the global market, special emphasis is being given to new potential markets like New Zealand outside the existing markets.
Bangladesh currently has a trade deficit of about $300 million with New Zealand. According to the data of the 2024-25 fiscal year, Bangladesh exported goods worth about $100 million to New Zealand, of which 94 percent is readymade garments. Both sides agreed to work together to expand bilateral trade by reducing this trade gap.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of New Zealand’s technical cooperation in the diversification of the readymade garment sector, especially in the textile, footwear, pharmaceuticals and furniture industries. The High Commissioner expressed his agreement with the proposal.
In addition, the use of renewable energy as part of the sustainable transformation of the readymade garment sector was also discussed. The BGMEA President sought New Zealand’s enhanced technical cooperation in this regard.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of increasing the brand visibility of Bangladeshi garments in the New Zealand market and establishing direct business links with local retailers. In this context, High Commissioner David Pyne said that there is an opportunity for Bangladeshi entrepreneurs to participate in international expos and trade fairs held in New Zealand. He said that the High Commission will provide all necessary support if a business delegation from Bangladesh visits.
Finally, he positively accepted the initiative of Bangladeshi brand promotion and expressed hope to further strengthen cooperation in the future.
