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Aim: In today's globalized economy, the apparel manufacturing sector is one of the key industries in most developing countries. Despite their important role most small and medium scale apparel manufacturing firms go through unique challenges when they are dealing with internationalization, especially in these developing countries category. In this study, the researcher aimed to explore the challenges and strategies of the internationalization of SMEs in the apparel manufacturing sector in developing countries. The study will provide valuable insights into the textile manufacturing sector in a broader and similar global context like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia

Method: This study conducted through qualitative case study method, utilized semistructured interviews to explore in depth data. Data thematically analyzed manually by using word and Chat GPT used to analyze the data to verify the manual work.

Findings: There are five nominating challenges that were identified as initial buyer engagement challenges, financial constraints, workforce limitations, compliance pressures, logistical inefficiencies, and institutional barriers which put significant pressure on apparel manufacturing SMEs in internationalization process. To overcome many of these challenges SMEs can utilize strategies like gradual or network-driven market entry, pursue product differentiation through diaspora marketing, and regulating institutional and financial support.

Conclusion: The study concludes that many SMEs in developing countries need tailored internationalization strategies according to the capability built through market demands, financial capabilities, power of business partnerships and compliance availability. Future research needs to quantify these findings as how much these challenges and strategies affect the industry.