Mosharaf Group is one of the leading international trading, commerce & industrial house of the country, established in 1993 by Md. Mosharaf Hossain. The group involves in manufacturing & marketing of 100% cotton yarn, carded yarn, combed yarn, slub yarn, pc yarn, cvc yarn, mélange yarn, OE yarn, recycle yarn for knit and oven garments. The company also has twisting, knitting, fabric dyeing, fiber dyeing, finishing all over print, garments washing, finishing, nylon yarn, polyester yarn, fishing net, poultry chick, poultry feed, international trading of fertilizer, food grains, coal, textile dyes & chemicals, RMG, potato preservation, financial sectors- leasing, securities, insurance.

Recently, Textile Today team had an insightful interview with the visionary leader Md. Mosharaf Hossain, Chairman of Mosharaf Group which has more than 30 business concerns.

Textile Today: As an industry veteran, what is your assessment of the current situation and your vision for the textile industry in Bangladesh from 2025 onwards?

Mosharaf Hossain: The textile industry in Bangladesh is currently facing a complex set of challenges as well as opportunities. While it remains a major contributor to the country's economy, it is also grappling with issues such as rising production costs (due to raw material costs and the energy crisis), intense global competition, and evolving consumer preferences. However, the industry also possesses significant potential for growth and development, particularly in areas like high-value-added products, sustainable practices, and technological innovation.

Looking ahead, the industry's success will depend on its ability to adapt to these changing dynamics. This will require a multi-pronged approach that focuses on enhancing productivity, improving product quality, diversifying markets, and strengthening the industry's value chain. Additionally, promoting sustainable practices and embracing technological advancements will be crucial for ensuring the long-term viability and competitiveness of the Bangladeshi textile industry.

Textile Today: What are your concerns regarding the upcoming LDC graduation regulations and what policy support do you expect from the new government to mitigate potential negative impacts?

Mosharaf Hossain: The upcoming LDC graduation regulations present several concerns for Bangladesh. Firstly, the loss of preferential market access in key export destinations could significantly impact the country's export-oriented economy. Secondly, the withdrawal of concessional financing and aid could hinder development projects and infrastructure investments. Thirdly, the graduation process could exacerbate existing vulnerabilities, such as climate change impacts and social inequalities.

To mitigate these potential negative impacts, the new government should focus on several key policy areas. Firstly, it is crucial to diversify the export base and explore new markets to reduce reliance on preferential access. Secondly, the government should prioritize domestic resource mobilization and explore alternative sources of financing to compensate for the loss of concessional aid. Thirdly, it is essential to strengthen social safety nets and invest in human capital development to ensure inclusive growth and reduce vulnerability. Finally, the government should actively engage with international partners to negotiate a smooth transition and secure continued support for development priorities.

By proactively addressing these concerns and implementing appropriate policy measures, Bangladesh can navigate the LDC graduation process successfully and continue its journey towards sustainable development.

Textile Today: What specific policy measures would you advocate for to safeguard the Bangladeshi domestic spinning industry from unfair competition, such as yarn dumping, and to ensure its sustainable growth?

Mosharaf Hossain: I would like to suggest the following policy measures to safeguard the Bangladeshi domestic spinning industry from unfair competition and promote sustainable growth:

Anti-dumping measures: Implement stricter anti-dumping duties on imported yarn sold below production cost to counter unfair pricing practices.

Tariff adjustments: Consider increasing import tariffs on yarn to level the playing field for domestic producers.

Technical barriers to trade: Establish stricter quality standards for imported yarn to ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations.

Subsidy reforms: Provide targeted subsidies to domestic spinning mills for research and development, technology upgrades, and energy efficiency improvements.

Capacity building: Invest in training programs to enhance the skills of the workforce in the spinning sector, improving productivity and competitiveness.

Raw material access: Ensure stable and affordable access to raw materials like cotton for domestic spinners.

Trade agreements: Negotiate trade agreements that address unfair trade practices and promote fair competition for Bangladeshi spinning mills.

Market diversification: Encourage domestic spinners to explore new markets and diversify their product offerings to reduce reliance on price-sensitive segments.

Strengthening trade enforcement: Increase the capacity of customs and regulatory agencies to detect and prevent unfair trade practices.

Promoting regional cooperation: Collaborate with neighboring countries to address regional trade imbalances and promote fair competition within the textile value chain.

Textile Today: Given the emphasis on diversification among industry leaders, what are your views on this strategy?

Mosharaf Hossain: Diversification is not just a buzzword; it's a critical strategy for spinning industries seeking to thrive in today's dynamic market. By expanding their operations beyond traditional yarn production, companies can enhance their resilience, boost profitability, and ultimately improve employee retention.

Key diversification strategies for spinning industries

Specialty yarns: Focus on niche markets like performance fabrics, medical textiles, or luxury yarns.

Blended yarns: Combine natural and synthetic fibers to create unique textures and properties.

Market diversification: New Geographic Markets: Explore untapped regions with growing textile industries.

Niche market segments: Target specific consumer groups or industries with unique needs.

Backward integration: Control raw material sourcing by investing in cotton farming or fiber processing.

Forward integration: Move into downstream activities like fabric manufacturing or garment production.

Textile Today: Mosharaf Group is a leader in pre and post-recycled textile products. In light of the growing global demand for traceability and sustainability in fashion, what are your thoughts on this trend and its implications for the industry?

Mosharaf Hossain: The growing global demand for traceability and sustainability in fashion is a significant trend with far-reaching implications for the industry. As consumers become increasingly aware of the environmental and social impacts of their clothing choices, they are demanding greater transparency and accountability from brands. This trend is being driven by a number of factors, including increased consumer awareness. Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry, including issues such as climate change, water pollution, and worker exploitation.

Social media platforms have given consumers a powerful voice and have made it easier for them to share information about the fashion industry's practices.

Governments and other regulatory bodies are increasingly putting pressure on the fashion industry to be more sustainable.

Overall, the trend towards traceability and sustainability is a positive development for the fashion industry. It is creating a more level playing field for brands that are committed to sustainability and is helping to drive innovation in the industry. However, it is also important to note that this trend is still in its early stages, and there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed in order for the fashion industry to fully embrace sustainability.

Textile Today: Could you please share Mosharraf Group's current investment plans?

Mosharaf Hossain: As the textile industry of Bangladesh grows, we must adapt to the changing needs of the market. The rapid pace of technological change necessitates continuous adaptation and investment in new technologies.

Mosharaf Group is currently focusing on expanding its existing operations in the textile sector, potentially through increased production capacity, new product lines, or technological upgrades. We have emphasized the importance of sustainability in the textile sector, including initiatives like circular fashion practices.

Therefore, moving forward we would like to make future investments in eco-friendly technologies and processes. We are also exploring investments in new and emerging sectors to diversify our portfolio and reduce reliance on any single industry.