Trade mission to Bangladesh: exploring opportunities in water technology and circular textiles

On behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netherlands Water Partnership (NWP), Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dhaka are organising a trade mission to Dhaka to support Dutch organisations interested in exploring opportunities in this market and meeting potential business partners.

Dates: Sunday 29 November to Thursday 3 December

Location: Dhaka, Bangladesh

Language: English

Who should join

The mission is intended for Dutch organisations active in:

• Water technology, water conservation and wastewater treatment
• Circular and sustainable textile solutions
• Textile recycling technology
• Solutions that reduce water, energy and chemical use
• Financing for sustainable textile and water projects
• Traceability through the supply chain
• Sustainable product design

Textile Industry in Bangladesh

The textile industry is a major part of Bangladesh’s economy and has significant potential to become more sustainable. Textile production requires large amounts of water and raw materials and generates substantial waste. At the same time, demand is growing for technology that reduces water use, treat wastewater and enable textile recycling.

Recent research identifies around 1,700 textile dyeing and washing factories. The market for water-saving technologies could grow to 2 to 3 billion dollars over the next 10 years. Stricter European regulations and international standards are also increasing demand for sustainable solutions and greater supply-chain transparency.

Opportunities for Dutch companies

This mission will explore opportunities in areas including:

• Water technology and treatment: The textile industry uses and pollutes large amounts of water, creating demand for solutions that conserve water, treat wastewater and enable water reuse. 
• Innovative financing: Not every factory can make a large upfront investment. Alternative financing models, such as OPEX and Water-as-a-Service, are therefore in demand.
• Textile waste recycling: Bangladesh generates hundreds of thousands of tonnes of textile waste every year, of which only 5 percent is recycled domestically. Solutions are needed to collect, sort, process and reuse textile waste.
• Supply-change traceability: European regulations require greater transparency about the origins of materials and products. Systems that provide insight into the origin of materials and products are demanded.
• Sustainable design and production: There is a need for designs and technologies that use fewer chemicals, less water and less energy.

Mission programme

The programme is currently being developed. It will provide opportunities to meet potential business partners and learn more about the market and local opportunities. The organisers will take participants’ preferences into account where possible. Check the draft programme here.

An information meeting will be held shortly before the mission. The date and location will be announced later.

Participation and costs

The participation fee is 650 EUR excluding VAT per organisation, covering one participant. An additional participant costs 325 EUR excluding VAT.

The fee covers the joint programme, matchmaking, shared local transport and local support. Travel and accommodation costs are not included. The working language of the mission is English.

You may cancel your participation free of charge up to 30 days before departure. If you cancel later, the full participation fee will be charged. See the participation conditions for trade missions.

Registration & further information

Organisations interested in participating in the trade mission are encouraged to contact Mirjam van Buchem, NWP Project Manager.