Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Textile Innovation Exchange to strengthen innovation and improve competitiveness in Bangladesh’s knitwear sector. The agreement was signed on April 1, 2026, at the BKMEA office in Dhaka.

Through this partnership, BKMEA will act as an “In Association Partner” for key initiatives led by Textile Innovation Exchange, including programmes such as Innovation Circles, Textile Innovation Awards, Textile Innovation Expo, and the Annual International Research Conference.

Both organisations highlighted the need to build a strong culture of innovation in the textile and apparel industry. They noted that traditional strengths like low-cost labour and easy access to resources are becoming less reliable, making innovation more important for maintaining global competitiveness.

As part of this collaboration, BKMEA will encourage participation from its network of more than 2,500 member factories. It will support training programmes, innovation activities, and also provide venues for joint events. Meanwhile, Textile Innovation Exchange will offer customised training, tools, and recognition systems to help manufacturers move from cost-focused operations to innovation-driven growth.