Snowtex Group, one of Bangladesh’s leading apparel manufacturers, is setting its sights on expanding its footprint in the French market, aiming to export goods worth between $150 million and $160 million over the next five years.
According to Md Tariqul Islam, Assistant Director for Marketing and Merchandising at Snowtex Group, Bangladesh’s trade with France exceeded $2.2 billion last year, with Snowtex contributing more than $100 million. His remarks came during the visit of French Ambassador-designate to Bangladesh, Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, to the company’s Dhamrai facilities.
Md Tariqul Islam also added, “Our annual growth in the French market has been between 15 and 20 percent, reaching around $110–115 million annually. We are optimistic that the coming years will bring even stronger results, with projected growth of 10 to 15 percent each year.”
During his visit to Snowtex Outerwear Ltd and Snowtex Sportswear Ltd., where 20,000 workers produce about 30 million outerwear pieces annually, the French envoy praised Bangladesh’s manufacturing excellence.
Snowtex began exporting to France in 2014, mainly focusing on outerwear such as jackets, sportswear, and hiking apparel. To further expand, the company plans to strengthen partnerships, improve pricing, and reduce lead times.
“We have produced mostly basic products so far, but our focus now is on high-end manufacturing and higher efficiency,” Islam added.
Ambassador Séré-Charlet noted, “This is my first visit to a ready-made garment factory, and I’m very pleased. French companies continue to invest in Bangladesh because they believe in the capability of its workforce and their commitment to quality and well-being.”
He also reaffirmed France’s position as one of Bangladesh’s largest apparel importers and expressed optimism about deepening trade ties and cooperation in the coming years.
