Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation: What Lies Ahead for the RMG and Textile Sector in 2026

Bangladesh’s journey toward graduating from the status of a Least Developed Country (LDC) by 2026 marks a significant milestone in its economic growth. As we approach this transition, it’s crucial to understand how it will impact one of Bangladesh’s vital sectors – the Readymade Garments (RMG) and textile industry.

Opportunities:

1. Access to Global Markets:
   • With graduation, Bangladesh gains broader access to international markets, which could mean more opportunities for RMG and textile exports.
   • In recent years, Bangladesh’s exports have been on the rise, hitting $38.75 billion in FY 2020-21, with the RMG sector playing a significant role.
2. Increased Investor Confidence:
   • Graduation signals Bangladesh’s economic progress, potentially attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI).
   • In FY 2020-21 alone, FDI inflows jumped by 25.11%, reaching $2.57 billion, indicating growing investor interest.
3. Strengthened Global Integration:
   • Bangladesh’s graduation reflects its growing economic stature, paving the way for stronger ties with regional and global partners.
   • Trade within South Asia accounted for 11.56% of Bangladesh’s total trade in FY 2020-21, underscoring its regional integration efforts.

Impact on RMG and Textile Sector:

1. Loss of Trade Benefits:
   • The RMG and textile sector heavily rely on preferential trade agreements, which could be at risk post-graduation.
   • Losing these benefits might affect the sector’s competitiveness, as it accounts for over 80% of Bangladesh’s total exports.
2. Rising Competition:
   • Emerging economies like Vietnam and Cambodia pose stiff competition to Bangladesh’s RMG and textile sector.
   • These countries offer lower labor costs and diverse product ranges, challenging Bangladesh’s market dominance.
3. Need for Adaptation and Innovation:
   • To stay competitive, Bangladesh’s RMG and textile sector must innovate and adapt post-graduation.
   • Investments in technology, skills training, and value-added products are essential for diversifying offerings and improving productivity.

Challenges:

1. Sustainable Development:
   • Transitioning from an LDC requires a focus on sustainable practices for long-term economic stability.
   • Bangladesh faces environmental challenges, particularly in urban areas like Dhaka, where air pollution exceeds WHO standards.

Navigating the Transition:

1. Diversification:
   • Encouraging diversification beyond RMG and textiles can mitigate risks associated with market volatility.
   • Non-traditional exports like pharmaceuticals and ICT services have shown promise, indicating avenues for diversification.
2. Strengthening Institutions:
   • Improving policy formulation and implementation is critical for harnessing post-graduation opportunities.
   • Bangladesh’s ranking of 168th out of 190 economies in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Index underscores the need for institutional reforms.
3. Investing in Human Capital:
   • Prioritizing education, skills development, and healthcare is vital for driving sustainable growth.
   • Despite progress, Bangladesh faces challenges in education and healthcare, which require attention for long-term development.

Conclusion: Bangladesh’s LDC graduation in 2026 presents both opportunities and challenges for its RMG and textile sector. By addressing challenges like loss of trade benefits and rising competition through innovation and adaptation, Bangladesh can navigate this transition successfully. Strategic investments in diversification, institutional reforms, and human capital development are key to realizing the sector’s full potential and ensuring sustainable growth. As Bangladesh prepares for this significant milestone, collaboration between government, industry, and civil society will be crucial in charting a path toward prosperity for all.