Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) is organising the 15th version of the annual event at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

Briefing newsmen yesterday on the eve of the exposition, President of BGMEA Annisul Huq said RMG makers will award two best buyers of Bangladesh readymade garments -- Walmart of the United States and Hennes and Mauritz International (H&M) of Sweden.

Prime Minister Khaleda Zia will inaugurate the showcase and give away the awards. While, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Sheikh Hasina will attend the closing ceremony as chief guest on Friday.

Huq said visit of high officials of Walmart and H&M in this year's fair bears special significance and bodes well for future of Bangladesh's RMG export in quota-free era.

"Apart from Walmart and H&M delegations, a ten-member EU team will also visit the fair. We expect over 100 foreign buyers and the spot order may cross last year's $40 million," he added.

Andrew Tsuei, managing director (Global Sourcing-Asia) of Walmart, and Pelly Karlsson, country co-ordinator (South Asia) of H&M, will lead their respective delegations at the fair and receive the awards.

"Of the total $1.63 billion RMG export to the US in 2003-2004, retailing giant Walmart consumed over 35 percent. So, retaining share with Walmart after quota phaseout is very important for Bangladesh. We will try to make an understanding with the company during the fair," BGMEA chief said.

He reiterated the demand for setting up central bonded warehouse to improve lead-time and increase price competitiveness.

"The government must allow a central bonded warehouse to help the RMG sector survive in the quota-free era. If the RMG industry collapses, the entire economy of Bangladesh will collapse," he added.

"The MFA (multi-fibre arrangement) phaseout may throw Bangladesh into a head first race against China and India. We are at a disadvantage situation because we still have to import 80 percent of the required woven textiles to produce export garments," Huq said.

Around 66 organisations from Pakistan, India, China, Thailand and Bangladesh will take part in the fair in 82 stalls.

Batexpo got spot order of $43.52 million in 1998, $44.2 million in 1999, $48 million in 2000, $30.5 in 2001, $46 million in 2002 and $40 million in 2003.