PDS Fashion USA Ltd, a part of PDS Limited, an International apparel sourcing company, has reiterated its interest in increasing sourcing of garments from Bangladesh in the coming years.
On 26th May PDS Fashion USA grand opening their new office in Dhaka, where BGMEA President SM Mannan Kochi along with former president of BGMEA Faruque Hassan, Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, Sr. VP of BGMEA, Abdullah Hil Rakib, VP of BGMEA, Thomas Mueller, Executive Board member of PDS Ltd, Shahed Mahmud, Country Director – Bangladesh, PDS Limited, Golam Moinuddin, Executive Director of PDS Fashion USA Ltd were inaugurated the new office at Uttara In the capital.
Thomas Mueller, Executive Board member of PDS Ltd expressed the willingness of PDS to expand business in Bangladesh, in his speech. World-class safety standards alongside major strides in responsible and sustainable business practices and enhanced capabilities for meeting the demand for diversified products have amplified the preference of international buyers for garments made in Bangladesh, said Faruque Hassan, Former BGMEA President and Managing Director of Giant Group. Made in Bangladesh Week held in November 2022, the apparel buyer announced its plan of doubling sourcing from Bangladesh. PDS Limited was a valued sponsor of the Made in Bangladesh Week as “In Association With”., he added.
BGMEA President SM Mannan Kochi said Bangladesh was committed to pursuing the growth of the RMG industry in a sustainable way so that it had a positive impact on the economy, people and the planet.He urged international buyers including PDS Fashion USA Ltd to increase sourcing garments, especially high-value ones from Bangladesh.
On the occasion, Golam Moinuddin, Executive Director of PDS Fashion USA Ltd said in interview, As you know Bangladesh RMG industry has been in a very challenging situation since the covid period. and the global economic landscape has also shifted towards uncertainty dramatically due to various factors, including the aftereffects of the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and changing market demands. If I see the situation at macro level I will say the situation might continue for the next five to six months.
In this situation PDS has taken a strategic plan for potential growth in the business. As a result we have $2.2 Bn business in 2022 and it grows to $2.5 Bn in 2023. It means in recent times, where others faced a downtrend business and a lot of challenges, we could manage for substantial positive business potentiality.
PDS focuses on design literacy, manufacturing efficiency, and wear housing. We also manage our own brand, along with this we have a sourcing and services model. I will mention the present challenges that Bangladesh RMG sector is facing, the industry often struggles with extended lead times, putting us at a competitive disadvantage.
Second challenge for the Bangladesh RMG sector is that the sector historically relied heavily on a narrow range of products, primarily basic garments such as t-shirts and trousers. But there is an increasing demand for a wider variety of products, including high-value items like activewear, outerwear, and technical garments.
By diversifying products PDS is not only tapping into new market segments but also mitigating risks associated with over-reliance on a few products. By understanding the needs and desires of consumers, our designers can create garments that offer superior functionality, comfort, and aesthetic appeal. This approach not only enhances customer satisfaction but also fosters brand loyalty in a competitive market. I think this is our greatest strength and a source of sustainable business growth.
He also praised the outstanding achievements of Bangladesh’s RMG industry in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability and other social compliance that has brightened Bangladesh’s image internationally and strengthened its position as the safest and greenest apparel manufacturing hub in the global market.
One of the top suppliers of PDS Fashion Ltd, Zubayer Mondol, Director of Cotton Club Ltd said, We have a big business with PDS . so I feel our collaboration with PDS marks a significant milestone and making this collaboration not just a business deal, but a partnership built on shared goals and mutual respect. In my opinion, PDS Fashion USA helps to align sustainability goals in the overall business strategy, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into the core business processes. The new journey of PDS Fashion USA it will be a new milestone for innovation and growth in the RMG business.
Another top supplier of PDS Fashion USA Ltd, Mostafizur Rahman Chairman, Smart Group of Industries Ltd said, We have been doing outerwear business with PDS since 2021. Our partnership has blossomed into a robust and mutually rewarding relationship. As PDS Fashion USA embarks on this new chapter with the inauguration of their new office, we see this as a testament to their growth and success. This new office not only symbolizes expansion but also the endless possibilities that lie ahead for us, he added. PDS Fashion vendor owner partners: Tofazzaal Ali, Executive Director of Standard Group, Golam Mostafa Kabir Chairman -J.L. Fashion Ltd and Manoj, CEO of Good Earth Apparel were also present in the opening ceremony.
PDS Multinational Fashions Limited operates as an integrated design-led platform offering product development, sourcing, virtual manufacturing and distribution for major brands and retailers worldwide. Also they have added a new Physical testing lab facility in the new office with a spectrometer for color evaluation. The company operates a vast global network covering over 51 offices, in 21 countries.
PDS Fashion USA Ltd started its Journey in 2021 and now they have more than fifty team members in the Bangladesh office. The product categories of PDS Fashion USA are woven bottoms -Tops, jackets, outerwear, activewear, blazer, dress pants, knit tops- bottoms, seamless, swimwear, dresses sweaters in all men, women’s and kids categories, and USA buyers are KOHL’S TARGET USA and there are many more US brands are on the queue.
