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Has been closely associated with the RMG sector for the past fifteen years. While Ambassador to China and High Commissioner to India actively promoted the setting up of textile factories and other backward linkage industries in Bangladesh. Maintained close contact with the RMG and textile sectors during this period. As Foreign Secretary worked closely with BGMEA on a number of issues, including the MOU on the Elimination of Child Labour from the garment factories. Visited seven countries in Europe and the US to seek improved market access for RMG exports and to mobilise financial support for the implementation of the MOU.
As Executive Chairman of the Board of Investment worked very closely with BGMEA and was actively involved in mobilising foreign investment in backward linkage industries. In this connection toured US, Canada, Italy and UK. In June,2000, was invited by the then President of BGMEA to chair a task force to look into the impact of TDA2000 on Bangladesh and to formulate a plan of action. Thereafter spent six weeks in Washington in August-September,2000 and again two more weeks were spent in the US in November,2000 in an effort to mobilise support in Congress and within the US govt. for duty free and quota free access to the US market.
In October 2000 some leading entrepreneurs of the country set up the Bangladesh Enterprise Institute (BEI); was invited to become the President and chief executive of BEI. The Board of Governors of BEI at the out set decided to give the highest priority to obtaining duty free and quota free access to the US market for Bangladesh's RMGs and also to devise a long term strategy for Bangladesh in the post MFA period. In this connection visited Geneva in late October, held meetings with Secretary General UNCTAD, Director General WTO, Executive Director ITC to discuss a post MFA strategy for Bangladesh. Discussions were also held with senior officials of the European Commission on the same subject in March 2001. Spent two more months in the US in 2001, May and June, pursuing the matter of duty free and quota free access. Helped in the setting up of the Bangladesh Caucus in the US Congress, mobilised select Americans of Bangladesh origin, briefed key members of the new Bush Administration on the need for various special measures for Bangladesh. Held extensive discussions with various think tanks, research centres, academics, the World Bank. The American Apparel Manufacturers Association, the National Retailers Association and many others on how to make the Bangladesh RMG sector more competitive and to ensure that it maintains its share of the US market both now and in the future.