BKMEA at a Glance

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA), as the trade body representing the Bangladesh knitwear sector, is dedicated to advancing the knitwear sector in Bangladesh. Established in 1996 by a group of manufacturers, BKMEA currently representing approximately 2294 knitwear manufacturers and exporters. Since then, it has become a significant force in promoting and advancing the knitwear sector, thus being recognized globally for its unique stature and identity and considered more than an Association.

BKMEA consistently emphasizes innovation and creativity and gives utmost effort in formulating strategic and up-to-date sector-based policy-making, and advocacy, while providing member services diligently.   All of these efforts have enabled the rapid development of the knitwear industry by allowing it to adapt to the changing demands of the global apparel value chain.

Over the pace of time, BKMEA has evolved into a world-class organization that not only promotes business growth and sustainability but also diligently addresses environmental and labor standards issues in its member factories by aligning the global trends and best practices.

Moreover, it continues to collaborate and team up with local and international stakeholders, including government, development partners, and agencies, to enhance and sustain competitiveness while building the image of Bangladesh's knitwear sector in the arena of the global knitwear market.

Mission of BKMEA

To safeguard Bangladesh's knitwear sector's global competitiveness and sustainability, to help market and export expansion by analyzing trade policies, giving valuable inputs, and conducting strategic research, sustainable industry growth.

Vision of BKMEA

To be a pivotal force in shaping the knitwear industry's future development driven by innovative, creative ideas and cutting-edge research and policy formulation that will ensure its competitiveness and contribute to the national economic progress.

How BKMEA Runs

BKMEA is governed by a Board consisting of 35 members led by the President. The Board includes one executive president, seven vice presidents, and 27 directors, who are elected every two years through a fair and free election process. There is an opportunity to appeal election results, ensuring transparency. Alongside the core committee, various sub-committees in the electoral board contribute to the sustainable growth of the knitwear sector and the overall economy of Bangladesh. The Board, assisted by a secretariat of experienced officials, formulates and executes vital policies and programs. BKMEA elections maintain strict democratic norms and a code of conduct.

Objectives of BKMEA:

BKMEA’s motto is to stay afloat in the international competition & Markets with chic & elegant quality products. To do this, BKMEA always works to improve the process of sustainable capacity-building of its member factories and to ensure high-quality knitwear products in line with the preferences and needs of the global fashion market.

To lead the world knitwear market, BKMEA continues to work toward diversifying the export market and ensuring better access to the country’s knitwear products to both the traditional as well as non-traditional markets including EU (27), USA, China, South Africa, Japan, Brazil, GCC bloc countries, and other new and emerging countries. Apart from this, BKMEA also has several objectives:

  • To promote & expand Global Market share for Knitwear manufacturers in Bangladesh.
  • To policy support for the sustainable development of the Knitwear sector.
  • To bolster the capacity building process within the Sector.
  • To raise awareness of labor rights and environmental compliance, structural integrity, fire safety issues among the workers and knitwear Entrepreneurs
  • To introduce international standards in the Knitwear sector of Bangladesh
  • To formulate sector-friendly Policy in consultation with the Government of Bangladesh and other stakeholders.

Major Activities of BKMEA

Since its inception in 1996, BKMEA has been providing different valuable existing as well as ever-arising services and support to the member factories of the Knitwear sector of Bangladesh for their continuous development. It plays a crucial role in policy-making processes like formulation and fixation of National knitwear, Export Policy, Import Policy, Import Policy Acts, Textile Policy, Industrial Policy, national perspective Development policy, labor, etc., framing sector-support rules, market expansion programs, research initiatives, productivity campaign, making green and environmentally friendly industrial belt. The activities for the member organization of BKMEA also include:

  • Product Diversification & Market Promotion and diversification with the line of Demand patterns and fashion trends of the Global Apparel Market.
  • Consultancy for Green Industry Development at the factory level.
  • Consultancy for Social and Environmental Compliance-based factory initiatives.
  • Research & Development activities for catering to the recent trend of the World Apparel Market.
  • In-house Up-Skilling and re-selling training program for workers and mid-level management to raise their productivity in line with Industry 4.0.
  • Providing Training and Assistance with the pool of expertise in Civil Engineering, Electrical mechanical, and Architecture for ensuring structural and fire safety of factory buildings.
  • One-stop service point regarding UD/UP services.
  • Other necessary services and supports whenever deemed as necessary.

TIN Number of BKMEA: 171908778023