Bangladesh takes export diversification drive to Barcelona textile expo

Bangladesh is stepping up its drive to capture a larger share of Europe’s textile and apparel market, showcasing its manufacturing strengths at Barcelona Textile Expo 2026 as the country seeks new buyers, fresh orders and greater export diversification.

The three-day international trade fair, which began on Wednesday and runs until October 23 at the Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc exhibition centre in Barcelona, has brought together more than 300 manufacturers and exhibitors from 12 countries, offering Bangladeshi companies a platform to connect directly with European fashion brands, retailers and wholesalers.

Eighteen Bangladeshi companies are participating in the expo, with 14 receiving financial support from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and management assistance from the Bangladesh Embassy in Madrid, while four others are exhibiting independently. The EPB has also opened a dedicated stall to showcase publications and materials promoting Bangladesh’s export potential.

Bangladesh Ambassador to Spain Masudur Rahman inaugurated the Bangladesh Pavilion on Wednesday morning, alongside EPB Director Mohammad Waresh Hossain, Bangladesh Commercial Counsellor Ruhul Quddus, First Secretary (Labour) Mahid Al Hasan, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) Director Md Abdul Hannan, participating businesses and representatives of the expo organisers.

Addressing the inauguration, Ambassador Masudur Rahman underscored the pivotal role of the textile and readymade garment (RMG) industries in generating export earnings, creating employment and sustaining economic growth.

He highlighted Spain’s growing importance as a destination for Bangladeshi exports, saying it had overtaken Germany to become Bangladesh’s largest export destination within the European Union. The development reflects Bangladesh’s manufacturing capacity, product quality and the confidence of international buyers, he added.

The ambassador also stressed the importance of strengthening economic ties with Spain as Bangladesh seeks to diversify its export markets and broaden its export basket. He said the government was working to reinforce economic stability, improve investor confidence and deepen international economic partnerships.

More than 300 exhibitors from 12 countries�"including Bangladesh, Spain, Italy, Japan, Turkey, South Korea, India and China�"are displaying products ranging from woven and knitted fabrics to ready-made garments, home textiles, yarn and fashion accessories. Organisers said Bangladeshi apparel products had attracted interest from visiting buyers.

For Bangladesh, the expo offers an opportunity to move beyond its established export relationships, develop direct links with European fashion businesses and compete for new orders in a market where product quality, pricing, design and delivery reliability are critical.

The event also features a special seminar, “Trend Intelligence in the Age of AI”, organised under the direction of international trend-forecasting company Peclers Paris, highlighting the growing role of artificial intelligence and fashion intelligence in shaping the textile and apparel industry.

The participating Bangladeshi companies under EPB supervision include Day Fashion, AMC Knit Composite Ltd, Sara Fashion, Bengal Glory, Concord Garment Wear, United Creation, AMC Apparel, Glimmer Fashions Design Apparel, Jeans and Jacket, Ahava Composite, NWRMT, Manha Attire Composite and Get World Attire Trims.

As competition intensifies among global apparel suppliers, Bangladesh’s challenge is to convert exhibition visibility into commercially viable orders, stronger buyer relationships and a broader export base. 

The Barcelona showcase provides a timely opportunity to reinforce the country’s position as a major textile and apparel supplier while opening doors to new European business partnerships.