Myanmar garment sector faces scarcity of skilled workers

18 Sep '12

2 min read

The lack of availability of skilled workforce is one of the reasons that impede the growth of Myanmar apparel sector, according to the Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association (MGMA).

Sanctions imposed by the US on imports from Myanmar and the country’s comparatively unfavourable tax policies are among the other reasons that obstruct the growth of Myanmar’s clothing industry, the association said.

MGMA President U Myit Soe said the quality of garments produced in Myanmar is low owing to lack of skilled workers.

Moreover, the clothes are not designed in Myanmar, which imports the raw materials from Singapore and Malaysia.

Myanmar exports its garments to Japan and South Korea, which are geographically distant compare to Singapore and Malaysia. This increases the production time and hence Myanmarese apparel sector is always under pressure to meet deadlines, which forces workers to work overtime at low payments, Mr. Soe said.

Daw Khaing Khaing Nwe, MGMA’s General Secretary, said the association has tried hard to impart skills training to workers, but after acquiring the skills the workers often leave their jobs and take up employment in apparel factories located along the Thai and Chinese borders, where they get better wages.

She added that MGMA is yet to control the high turnover rate in garment units.

U Khin Hlaing from Zawtika garment company said even if the US lifts its imports sanctions, it might be difficult for Myanmarese garment sector to fulfill orders in time, owing to limited availability of skilled workers in the country.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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