Desk Report (RMG Times)  A bilateral meeting between Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and International Apparel Federation(IAF) was held yesterday at BKMEA Dhaka office. The President of IAF Hane Beke said, “IAF is a global platform for the apparel traders, so we want globally integrate all the textile and apparel manufacturers and exporting companies into the supply chain. The improvement in the garment sector in this country is satisfactory. To make this sector sustainable, spontaneous contact between buyers and entrepreneurs is recommended.”

He mentioned, “IAF also works to improve mutual relations among buyers, producers and exporters.” First vice-president of BKMEA Mansur Ahmed draws attention of IFA and said, “Accord and the Alliance being harassing the garment factories of Bangladesh. And instead of certification of multiple organizations please produce an international standard integrated certification.”

The Former Vice-President of BKMEA MA Hatem said the problem of non-availability of fair prices from consumers and reducing price in every season and said, ” Sustainability is the third pillar of compact, which mentions fair prices. But there is no visible progress in its implementation.

Brands and buyers are competing to buy goods at low prices in this country even after knowing that the wages of our workers have been increased.” The Secretary General of the IAF agreed and said, “It’s a criminal sourcing practice . I will take necessary steps in this regard.”

Former President of BKMEA Fazlul Haque said, “Traditional trade fairs are not as effective as before. So, as an alternative, the associations can be organized in the special fairs on the basis of the garment product specifications set by the IAF.” “By 2021, Bangladesh will become a middle income country and lose GSP in the European market by 2027.

For this reason, I request IAF to take appropriate initiative to not impose terms and conditions for getting GSP plus.” he further added. He also urged IAF to organize an international conference in Dhaka through participation of buyer organizations to highlight the positive progress of Bangladesh garment sector in the year 2019.