How T&IB Empowers Bangladeshi Exporters for Success?

Md. Joynal Abdin

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Founder & CEO, Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB)

Co-Founder & CEO, Bangladesh Trade Center (BTC)

Executive Director, Online Training Academy (OTA)

Secretary General, Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BBCCI)

 

In recent years, Bangladesh has emerged as a dynamic player in the global export arena. With sustained growth in sectors like ready-made garments (RMG), leather goods, jute products, and ICT services, the country’s export earnings reached USD 55.55 billion in FY 2022–23, showing resilience even amid global economic challenges. As the economy diversifies beyond traditional exports, new opportunities are unfolding for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to enter and thrive in international markets.

 

To harness this potential and accelerate export-led growth, professional guidance and strategic support are essential. Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) has positioned itself as a pivotal organization in this space providing comprehensive services that help Bangladeshi exporters navigate global markets, reduce trade risks, and connect with credible buyers worldwide. T&IB bridges the gap between ambition and achievement, offering targeted, research-backed support to both new and experienced exporters.

 

This article explores how T&IB empowers Bangladeshi businesses to succeed globally through services like export market selection, exportability assessment, targeted lead generation, commercial due diligence, and buyers-sellers matchmaking. By examining each service in depth, we aim to highlight T&IB’s role in shaping Bangladesh’s future as a competitive export powerhouse.

 

2. Understanding the Export Landscape of Bangladesh

 

2.1 Current Export Trends & Key Sectors

Bangladesh’s export growth remains heavily concentrated in the Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector. As of FY 2022–23, apparel accounted for over 80% of total export earnings approximately USD 45 billion out of the USD 55.5 billion in total exports with knitwear (44.6%) and woven garments (37.2%) dominating the mix.

 

While other sectors show promise such as leather and leather goods, jute, frozen fish, pharmaceuticals (which grew to USD 134 million in 2024–25), and ICT they remain marginal in the export basket and receive far less institutional support

However, this narrow focus leaves the economy vulnerable. New export sectors and destinations are urgently needed.

 

2.2 Challenges Faced by Exporters

1. Over-concentration & Market Vulnerability
   • Heavy reliance on RMG and a narrow set of buyers (EU and U.S. together comprise about 60% of exports) exposes exporters to external shocks, such as tariffs and political tensions .
   • For example, recent U.S. and Indian tariff measures threaten competitiveness and could trigger order cancellations

 

1. Policy & Regulatory Barriers
   • Inconsistent trade policies, high import tariffs (around 40%), and complex bureaucracy hinder diversification and long-term planning .
   • Non-RMG exporters don’t enjoy benefits like duty-free capital imports or bonded warehouse access, reinforcing the dominance of the garment sector .

 

1. Infrastructure, Logistics & Skilled Labor Deficits
   • Logistics performance is poor (Bangladesh ranked 87th of 139 in the WB LPI 2023), with unreliable ports and high trade costs
   • Around 10% of exporters identify the lack of a skilled workforce as a key obstacle higher than in regional peers  SME exporters particularly struggle to attract talent.

 

1. SME Constraints & Financing Gaps
   • Access to export financing is limited, with SMEs facing high interest rates, insufficient collateral, and complex loan processes
   • Burdensome bureaucracy—34 certifications vs. just 7 in India—adds to the time and cost of exporting

 

2.3 Why Professional Export Support Matters

Given these multifaceted challenges, there’s a critical need for structured support frameworks:

• Expert market intelligence and risk analysis to diversify products and markets, reducing over-dependence on RMG and the EU/US.
• Regulatory expertise to help SMEs navigate customs, compliances, and certifications effectively.
• Infrastructure advisory to guide firms in improving logistics, even before national-level reforms take place.
• Financing facilitation to improve access to affordable credit and help SMEs scale and innovate.
• Capacity development through training programs that build managerial, technical, and export-readiness skills.

 

These are precisely the areas where Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) steps in bridging gaps between exporters and global opportunity, de-risking market entry, and enabling sustainable export growth.

3. T&IB at a Glance

3.1 Mission & Vision

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) is committed to empowering Bangladeshi businesses to compete and thrive in international markets. Its mission revolves around leveraging global insights and local expertise to promote sustainable economic development, create employment, and boost competitiveness on the world stage . With a vision to position Bangladesh as a trusted hub in global value chains, T&IB embraces digital innovation, strategic partnerships, and tailored trade facilitation services.

 

3.2 Background & Areas of Expertise

• Founded & Led by Industry Specialists
  Under the guidance of Md. Joynal Abdin (BBA, MBA), T&IB assembled a multinational team of seasoned experts in business consulting, digital marketing, and global trade strategy.

 

• A Dual-Track Service Portfolio
  • Business Support Services (BSS): Services such as market selection, export readiness assessments, product positioning, competitive analysis, market entry strategy, and regulatory compliance advisory.
  • Digital Marketing Services (DMS): In-depth industry insights (e.g., through their “Industry Insights” blog), digital strategy development, and targeted online campaigns to help exporters reach and engage foreign buyers.

 

• Global Reach, Local Insight
  Drawing on its pan-continental team (spanning South Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East), T&IB combines global market knowledge with in-depth understanding of Bangladesh’s business dynamics.

 

3.3 Role in Trade & Investment Facilitation

1. Strategic Partnerships & Global Networks
   T&IB has forged alliances with over 15 international trade bodies, chambers, diplomatic missions, and multinationals—offering exporters direct access to global buyers and policy-makers.

 

1. Advisory for Cross-Border Investment
   Through expert input on export processing zones (EPZs), special economic zones (SEZs), and bilateral investment treaties, T&IB helps investors and exporters tap into national infrastructure and policy incentives.

 

1. Digital Trade Enablement
   With a future-focused roadmap, T&IB is rolling out AI-driven market intelligence, automated matchmaking platforms, and cloud-based documentation systems, along with launching online B2B spaces and virtual missions to overcome physical trade barriers.

 

1. Value Chain Integration & Export Diversification
   Capitalizing on Bangladesh’s strengths in textiles, agro-processing, ICT, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and more, T&IB is supporting initiatives to integrate local firms into high-value global value chains, enabling diversification beyond traditional sectors.

 

4. Core Export Support Services Offered by T&IB

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) offers a suite of export support services tailored to help Bangladeshi businesses enter and expand in global markets with confidence. These services are research-driven, digitally enabled, and designed to address each stage of the export journey—from market selection to deal closure.

 

a. Export Market Selection

Entering the wrong market can be costly and demotivating. T&IB reduces this risk by helping businesses identify high-potential international markets based on product category, competitive positioning, tariff preferences, and buyer demand.

• T&IB leverages global trade databases, import trends, and competitive benchmarks to recommend the most promising export destinations.
• Through market intelligence and trend analysis, exporters gain clarity on growth sectors, pricing dynamics, and customer preferences in target countries.

 

b. Exportability Assessment

Before going global, companies must ensure their product, process, and team are export-ready. T&IB conducts a thorough Exportability Assessment to evaluate business readiness.

• This includes reviewing product compliance with international standards, packaging and labeling guidelines, certifications (like CE, ISO, or GSP), and documentation readiness.
• The assessment helps identify internal gaps and provides a custom roadmap for becoming export-competent.

 

c. Targeted Lead Generation

T&IB supports businesses in finding the right buyers not just any buyers. This is done through targeted lead generation strategies:

• Leveraging proprietary and third-party databases, trade directories, and international business networks
• Participating in global trade fairs, digital expos, and buyer-seller forums
• Utilizing AI-enabled platforms and digital tools for profiling high-potential leads

 

d. Commercial Due Diligence

Exporting involves risks especially when entering unfamiliar markets. T&IB performs Commercial Due Diligence to protect exporters from fraud and default.

• Verifies the credibility, financial health, and business history of foreign buyers
• Provides insights into buyer solvency, credit rating, and market reputation
• Offers contract review and advisory to minimize legal and financial risks

 

e. Buyers-Sellers Matchmaking

Beyond lead generation, T&IB plays a proactive role in facilitating meaningful business connections through Buyers-Sellers Matchmaking.

• Organizes B2B meetings, trade missions, and virtual matchups with vetted buyers from target markets
• Helps prepare exporters for these meetings with presentation coaching, pricing strategy, and negotiation tips
• Encourages long-term partnerships over one-time deals

5. Value Addition and Long-Term Impact

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) is more than a service provider it is a strategic growth partner for Bangladeshi exporters. Through its hands-on support, capacity-building initiatives, and global market insights, T&IB ensures that the impact of its services goes beyond short-term gains, delivering sustained export success and resilience.

 

5.1 Capacity Building and Advisory Services

T&IB places strong emphasis on developing the capabilities of exporters so they can compete independently in global markets. This includes:

• Workshops and training on export readiness, trade compliance, product standards, digital marketing, and cross-cultural communication
• One-on-one advisory sessions tailored to the unique challenges of SMEs and emerging exporters
• Mentorship programs linking new exporters with experienced trade professionals
• Support with certifications like ISO, HACCP, CE marking, and country-specific compliance

 

These interventions empower exporters with the knowledge and confidence needed to navigate complex trade environments and meet international expectations.

 

5.2 Success Metrics and Case Examples

T&IB has built a growing portfolio of success stories across diverse sectors. Some notable examples include:

• A Khulna-based agro-processor that tripled exports within 18 months after T&IB guided them through product packaging upgrades, GSP documentation, and EU market entry
• A Chattogram-based leather goods firm that secured three new European clients through a T&IB-led virtual B2B matchmaking event
• A Dhaka-based ICT startup that entered the Gulf market after receiving regulatory advisory and lead generation support from T&IB

 

On average, exporters working with T&IB report a 30–50% increase in overseas inquiries and a significant reduction in market entry time and costs.

 

5.3 Contribution to Export Diversification and Revenue Growth

T&IB actively promotes export diversification helping Bangladesh reduce its over-dependence on RMG by supporting:

• Non-traditional sectors such as jute, ceramics, processed food, ICT, light engineering, pharmaceuticals, and handicrafts
• Underrepresented regions and SMEs with potential to contribute to exports but limited access to resources
• Entry into new and emerging markets like the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Latin America

 

By enabling more sectors and businesses to participate in global trade, T&IB contributes directly to inclusive economic growth and foreign exchange earnings. Its role aligns with Bangladesh’s long-term goals under Vision 2041 to become a knowledge-driven, export-oriented economy.

 

6. Conclusion

Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) has positioned itself as a catalyst for the transformation of Bangladesh’s export landscape. By offering a comprehensive suite of export support services including market selection, exportability assessment, lead generation, due diligence, and buyers-sellers matchmaking T&IB directly contributes to increased export readiness, higher deal conversion rates, and market diversification for Bangladeshi businesses.

 

Through its expert advisory, capacity-building initiatives, and global networks, T&IB empowers local companies to overcome traditional trade barriers and compete on the world stage with confidence. Exporters who have partnered with T&IB consistently report growth in international inquiries, successful market entry, and long-term buyer relationships demonstrating the organization’s value as a strategic export enabler.

 

Call to Action:
Whether you’re a first-time exporter or an established player looking to expand globally, now is the time to engage with T&IB. With customized support, market intelligence, and global connectivity, T&IB can help you reduce risks, unlock new opportunities, and accelerate your export success. Visit www.tradeandinvestmentbangladesh.com to begin your journey toward international growth.

 

7. Contact Information / How to Get Started

Getting started with Trade & Investment Bangladesh (T&IB) is simple and accessible for businesses of all sizes, from first-time exporters to seasoned international traders. The organization provides multiple channels of communication and online tools to ensure smooth onboarding and support.

 

📞 How to Reach Out

Website:
Visit www.tradeandinvestmentbangladesh.com for an overview of services, client success stories, and industry insights.

 

Email:
📧 info@tradeandinvestmentbangladesh.com
For direct inquiries, consultation requests, or partnership proposals.

 

Phone / WhatsApp:
📱 +880 1992677117

Available for calls, messages, or scheduling appointments with export consultants.

Social tagging: #Buyer Matchmaking > #Export Readiness > #Lead Generation > #Market Diversification > #Trade Facilitation