17, May 2024
AD Ports Group Explores Multi-Purpose Port Development in Chittagong, Bangladesh

Abu Dhabi, UAE , 17 May 2024: AD Ports Group, a leading facilitator of global trade, logistics and industry, signed a MoU with the Chittagong Port Authority to explore the future development and operation of the Multi-Purpose Port in Chittagong Port and other ancillary opportunities in Bangladesh.

The MoU was signed in presence of H.E. Abdulla AlHmoudi, UAE Ambassador, Head of the UAE Mission to Bangladesh and Mr. Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, MP, Honourable Minister of State, Mr. Md. Mostafa Kamal, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Shipping – Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, by Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, Chairman, Chittagong Port Authority and Ahmed Al Mutawa, Regional CEO, AD Ports Group.

Rear Admiral Mohammad Sohail, Chairman, Chittagong Port Authority, said: “The Multi-Purpose Port in Chittagong is a priority for the Government of Bangladesh. It will be a game changer for the regional economy in general and Bangladesh economy in particular. We are pleased to collaborate with AD Ports Group on the development of this vital project, leveraging their expertise and capabilities as a global trade and logistics player. We hope that this MoU will pave the way for further cooperation that will attract more foreign direct investments to Bangladesh.”

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, said: “We are excited to explore the development and operation of the Multi-Purpose Port and other ancillary opportunities in Chittagong, the main seaport of Bangladesh, and look forward to leveraging our experience and capabilities to assist our partners in addressing increased trade volumes in one of the fastest growing economies in South-East Asia, guided by the vision of our wise leadership.”

It’s pertinent to note that over 90% of Bangladesh’s international trade is conducted through the ports of Chittagong, furthermore Bangladesh’s seaports are an integral part of the multimodal network that links the republic to the hinterland, in addition to providing sea access for the landlocked Himalayan countries Nepal, Bhutan and India’s Northeast region.

Both nations have celebrated 50 years of bilateral ties earlier in March this year, with ongoing talks to ink a Comprehensive Economic Partnership (CEPA) aimed towards enhancing economic cooperation and opening new avenues for trade and investment, the MoU signed between AD Ports Group and the Chittagong Port Authority is aligned with the aforementioned efforts.

The UAE is considered Bangladesh’s second-largest remittance source, a leading trading partner with a significant base of investment for Bangladesh, the volume of non-oil trade exchanges between the two countries exceeds USD 2 billion.

19, Apr 2024
Success of CMAI FAB Show 2024 Beckons a Bright Future for India’s Textile & Apparel Industry

Mumbai, April 19, 2024: The Fabrics, Accessories & Beyond Show 2024 (FAB Show 2024), hosted by the Clothing Manufacturers Association of India (CMAI), wrapped up its 4th edition on a successful note consequently boosting Textile industry sentiments with exceedingly high business prospects. The three-day event, which took place from April 15 to April 17 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai, outperformed industry expectations with an estimated business generation of more than 2,100 crores.

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The trade show successfully attracted 10,200 trade visitors from 320+ cities across India which included over 1,500 elite platinum buyers. Moreover, overseas buyers from 16 countries mainly Bangladesh, UAE, Bahrain, Egypt, Russia, Hong Kong, USA, Kenya, Sri Lanka and Nepal also visited the show. The presence of sourcing heads from renowned brands and retail majors like Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail, Bestseller, Gokaldas Exports, Kora, Mufti, Pepe Jeans, Reliance Brands, Shoppers Stop, Soch, Stori, Spykar, Westside and many others further boosted industry confidence thus reflecting the event’s importance as a prime sourcing platform.

Speaking about the success of FAB show, Rajesh Masand, President, CMAI expressed, “The impact of this grand sourcing event will resonate across the garment industry supply chain, promising not only immediate business but also long-term strategic developments and new sourcing relationships for all stakeholders involved. The remarkable success of this year’s show reflects a buoyant industry outlook, fuelling optimism for a robust recovery in the upcoming seasons. This resurgence comes at a crucial time as our industry was stressed with tepid demand and recent challenges like the amendment affecting MSME payments. With the positive momentum generated by the FAB Show, there is a renewed confidence that the industry outlook will soon be back on growth path.”

This year’s FAB Show was a focal point for industry Innovation and Sustainability, showcased by over 200 domestic exhibitors, including major names like Grasim, Arvind, Siyaram’s, Gokul Print, Jindal, Banswara Syntex, Ruby Mills, Bhagwan Enterprise apart from many MSME’s. Noteworthy participants from diverse sectors such as fabric suppliers, accessories manufacturers, and software developers demonstrated their latest offerings and services to a discerning audience.

“FAB Show 2024 has set a new benchmark for success in the textile & apparel industry, reflecting our commitment to driving growth and sustainability,” said Naveen Sainani, Chairman FAB Show, CMAI. The Sustainability zone was a major attraction at the fair which showcased fabrics crafted from waste, recyclable materials and educated about benefits of waste water management promoting innovation & circularity which is a cornerstone of CMAI’s holistic strategy to engage, educate, and inspire the garment industry. He further elaborated “Our environment is changing and if the world can’t avoid deforestation, we need to invest in reforestation. On behalf of the 2876 visitors who pledged to voluntarily become earth warriors, CMAI will be planting 2876 tree saplings to create a healthier environment, fight climate change, and protect biodiversity”.

The Surat Pavilion organized by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI) showcased over 40 leading fabric manufacturers for the fourth consecutive edition of FAB. One of the key reasons for the popularity of the Surat pavilion amongst the visitors is their ability to present the latest trends and understand the needs of the garment industry. Speaking about the current business landscape, Siddharth Dhawan, Director, Gokul Tex Print – a leading fabric manufacturer from Surat, expressed, “We have seen a steady growth over the last year, which slowed down in the last few months due to the MSME payment amendment that came in. This year, we are confident that starting June till December, signs of growth will become evident as we deliver the merchandise to manufacturers, which they will provide in the market.” Another participant, Ritesh Patel, Director, Surbhi Textile Mills from Surat said “We received an extraordinary response for all of our products and the presence of buyers from all across the country gave us a great exposure. We are looking forward to participate in the next CMAI show”.

Speaking about their business outlook, Murugan Thenkondar, President – Marketing & Global Head – Business Development, Aditya Birla (Cellulosic Fibres) stated “The export market is facing a lot of turbulence currently and our domestic market has been growing steadily which is the reason we are exhibiting here. CMAI has been highly successful in presenting the textile value chain to participate mainly in cloth manufacturing brands, yarns, weavers, knitters, spinners and fibres thus offering a one-stop-destination to meet sourcing requirements. Distinguishing from other fairs, FAB is an excellent annual platform for the domestic customers and we are seeing a lot of positive energy at the show”.

Sailesh Kukreja, Managing Director, Bhagwan Enterprise from Mumbai elatedly said “We thank CMAI for implementing innovative measures to ensure the presence of buyers from across the country that made the fair a thrilling success. The exhibition was well organized and the on-spot visitor registration process was very swift. The overall publicity campaign was very well designed and consistently created a buzz on social media. We look forward to participating in all upcoming CMAI fairs and hope for a grander success”.

Speaking about Sustainability, J.P. Singh, Director, Ramtex – Parmeshwari Silk Mills from Ludhiana said, “We are committed to Sustainability and have adapted eco-friendly processes to save approximately four lakh litres of water daily. It is heartening to see that consumers are getting more environment-conscious by the day and are preferring eco-friendly fabrics such as ours. Our main markets have been Punjab, Haryana and Delhi; however, we have started receiving increased demand through our distributors from Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata and Indore too.”

A lucky draw contest was also held on all the three days of the show wherein Rupees 10 lacs worth of scooters, gift cards and holiday vouchers of leading brands were handed out to visitors and exhibitors.

8, Jan 2024
BWH Hotels now focussed on enhancing the presence of World Hotels in India

BWH Hotels, a prominent global player in the hospitality industry recognized for its unwavering dedication to exceptional service and unparalleled guest experiences, is thrilled to announce a strategic move that marks a significant milestone in its journey. Harnessing the power of Sorrel Hospitality, the master franchisee for the region, BWH Hotels is set to expand its footprint in the vibrant South Asian market, with a focused initiative to strengthen the presence of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

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Enabled by BWH Hotels’ landmark acquisition of World Hotels in the year 2019, this strategic move reaffirms BWH Hotel’s steadfast commitment to providing luxury accommodation and elevated guest satisfaction across diverse destinations within the South Asian region.

“With a dedicated focus on enhancing the presence of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, we are committed to elevating the standards of luxury accommodation and guest satisfaction. This move, fueled by the landmark acquisition of World Hotels in 2019, underscores BWH Hotels’ unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and creating unparalleled guest experiences throughout the diverse landscapes of South Asia.” said – Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BWH Hotels

“I am delighted to announce a strategic leap that signifies a remarkable chapter in our journey. Partnering with Sorrel Hospitality, our esteemed master franchisee, we are poised to extend our influence in the dynamic South Asian market”- Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and of World Hotels

“We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of expansion of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. These countries hold immense potential in the luxury hospitality sector and this strategic move is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the presence of World Hotels in this region.” said Atul Jain, COO- India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, BWH Hotels.

As BWH Hotels embarks on this exciting new chapter, it invites guests, partners, and stakeholders to join in the anticipation of a transformative era in hospitality. With a legacy built on trust, innovation, and a commitment to excellence, BWH Hotels is set to elevate the bar of luxury hospitality and create lasting memories and unforgettable experiences for guests across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.