Bangladesh govt must protect garment sector

13 Jan '12

2 min read

If proper steps are not initiated to safeguard the domestic readymade garment (RMG) industry, the Bangladesh economy would be in trouble, Annisul Huq, President of SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry, has said.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of three international garment accessories and packaging fairs in Dhaka, he said the Bangladesh RMG industry employs about four million workers, with 90 percent of them being women. Thus, it is vital for the Government to safeguard the industry, he added.

The three international garment accessories and packaging fairs - Garmentech, Pacexpo and Yarn and Fabrics Sourcing Fair 2012 have been organized by the Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) in alliance with Zakaria Trade and Fair International and ASK Trade and Exhibition Ltd.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said he is proud of the domestic garment, garment accessories and packing industry, as several small and medium scale units of these industries have developed so well that they have stirred upgradation of the country's RMG industry.

Packaging industry was non-existent in Bangladesh during 1970s, but today, garment accessories and packaging industry has great prospects, he said, and expressed gratitude towards the industrialists of this sector for their valued contribution to the country's economy.

BGAPMEA President Rafez Alam Chowdhury said the first of the garment accessories and packaging factories, around 17 of them, were established Bangladesh during late 1980s. The industry has grown rapidly since then and it now caters to around 90 percent of the requirements of RMG and other allied industries in the country.

The garment accessories and packaging industry in Bangladesh exported US$ 3 billion worth of goods during last fiscal, and it targets to ship goods worth around US$ 12 billion by 2018. However, this target cannot be achieved without strategic support from the Government, he added.

Mr. Chowdhury said there is a need for setting up a packaging and garment accessories training institute in the country, which can help in enhancing skills of existing manpower. Presently, around 200,000 people directly or indirectly depend on the domestic industry for their livelihood.

The three fairs have around 400 stalls where over 200 participating companies from 30 countries are exhibiting their products. Besides, two seminars and a four-day training programme are also scheduled to take place during the expositions.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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