With an aim to ensure smooth supply of cotton, the main raw material used for apparel manufacturing, local spinners in Bangladesh have called upon the authorities concerned to address the barriers they are facing in importing cotton from USA while also requesting the US Government to provide duty concession to apparel products made from US cotton so as to enhance the bilateral trade.
According to reports, speaking at a recent celebration event of ‘World Cotton Day’ with the theme ‘cotton for good’, organised jointly by the Bangladesh Cotton Association (BCA) and Cotton Council International (CCI), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) President Mohammad Ali Khokon, reportedly, said that USA has always maintained its cotton quality resulting in no complaints; however, the only issue faced in importing US Cotton by spinners in Bangladesh was the fumigation of US Cotton at the Chittagong Port, which the BTMA President stated is not required for cotton imported from the other countries even as he requested the CCI, the Government, the USDA and the BCA to look into the matter seriously.
Golam Dastagir Gazi, who is the Textile and Jute Minister, took part, reportedly, in the event as the Chief Guest, which was also attended by Brazilian Ambassador to Dhaka Joao Tabajara de Oliveira Junior and US Ambassador to Bangladesh Earl R. Miller, amongst others.