Written by The Banking Post
Bangladesh’s exports to the United Kingdom grew steadily in the first five months of FY26, firmly establishing the UK as the country’s second-largest export destination. The update came from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) during a seminar in Dhaka focused on unlocking opportunities in the UK market.
Speaking at the event titled “Unlock the UK Market: Preferential Access and Standards for Export Success” at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center in Purbachal, the EPB vice-chairman and chief executive said many exporters still lack awareness about the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which offers significant preferential access.
“To bridge this knowledge gap, dissemination sessions will soon be organised to enhance exporter awareness,” he noted.
The seminar brought together key government bodies, British trade officials, industry experts, and private-sector representatives to discuss how Bangladesh can deepen its presence in the UK market. Speakers highlighted that better utilisation of the DCTS, stronger compliance with global standards, and improved understanding of UK regulations can open new doors for exporters.
Opening remarks were delivered by senior EPB officials and the head of Trade and Investment at the British High Commission. As chief guest, the EPB vice-chairman stressed the commitment of both countries to boosting bilateral trade and helping Bangladeshi producers meet international requirements. He said discussions at the event are expected to support sustainable export growth and strengthen long-term market practices.
The seminar was one of the key sessions held during the three-day Global Sourcing Expo, jointly organised by the EPB and the Ministry of Commerce. The expo, hosted at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center, aims to showcase Bangladesh’s export strength and build international business partnerships.
Throughout the sessions, experts from the British Standards Institution (BSI) outlined pathways for meeting UK market standards, including sustainable packaging and circular economy strategies. A presentation on the UK’s DCTS highlighted its implications for Bangladeshi exporters, while the International Trade Centre’s SheTrades Initiative discussed avenues for inclusive and sustainable export development.
A total of 125 organisations from eight major export sectors—alongside multinational buyers, wholesalers, and supply chain leaders—are participating in the expo, making it a key platform for expanding Bangladesh’s global trade footprint.
