Bangladesh expects a massive brace of international buyers this year as two major trade bodies are preparing to host two important international apparel expositions in November 2009, said Refayet Ullah Mirdha. He added in the last fiscal year the country outperformed in garment exports to many destinations as the buyers flocked here to purchase cheap apparel despite recession.

The BATEXPO-09 will be held on November 5-7 under the auspices of President Abdus Salam Murshedy, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). Cheap basic apparel products will attract new buyers from Japan, South Africa, Mexico and Brazil to the annual exposition this time. Countries like USA, EU, Australia, Canada, China and India are also expected to participate in the show

This year the foreign buyers have already confirmed for 11 stalls to participate in the 20th BATEXPO to be held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

Similarly, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) is going to organise its 5th Knitexpo-09 on November 2-4 at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. This year's Knitexpo will be the biggest event as 80 international buyers have already confirmed their participation. The number of such foreign participants would cross 100.

Bangladesh exported knitwear worth $6.429 billion in 2008-09 fiscal-years showing a 16.21% growth over the same period a year earlier. During the same time Bangladesh exported woven items worth $5.918 billion registering a 14.54% growth.