The race for second place in global garment exports is a close competition between Bangladesh and Vietnam, the two major players after China. Both countries are working hard to secure this vital position, but the big question is: how effective are their strategies in improving their place in the global garment market? Governments and trade associations play an important role in driving sector growth, but the question remains: is boosting productivity the key to gaining a competitive edge, or is attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) the main driver behind increasing exports? Perhaps it’s the industry's ability to diversify products and enhance capabilities that opens up more opportunities. There are also many other factors at play—how do political stability and disruptions affect demand? To what extent does the business climate, including communication, transportation, customs processes, and infrastructure, contribute to success? And what about human rights and labor conditions, which are becoming increasingly important in global markets? With sustainability taking center stage for many buyers, do LEED-certified factories give these nations an edge in the global marketplace?
