Bangladesh, a leading player in the global garment industry, recently started exporting garments to the Maldives to alleviate logistical delays faced at Indian ports. The decision was driven by congestion and processing delays at Indian facilities, which impacted the efficiency of Bangladesh’s textile exports. With Maldives stepping in as a new transit hub, shipments from top fashion brands like H&M and Zara are now routed through Maldivian ports to reach their international destinations more efficiently
The Bangladeshi garment industry contributes approximately 13% to the nation’s GDP, with around 80% of its exports stemming from this sector. The switch to Maldives is not only a strategic move to expedite export times but also reflects the textile industry’s adaptability to logistical challenges. Additionally, the Maldives offers a robust network for re-exporting goods through airlines like Qatar Airways and Emirates, which supports Bangladesh’s shift to this new route
Maldives has also shown growing interest in Bangladeshi garments, specifically resort and leisure wear, which aligns with its thriving tourism sector. This collaboration between Bangladesh and the Maldives benefits both countries—Bangladesh enhances its export efficiency while the Maldives strengthens its position as a transit hub in the global textile supply chain
