Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu on Wednesday said the country’s readymade garment sector has been achieving export growth constantly, despite having been the victim of international conspiracy and bad campaign. “Garment sector is victim of international conspiracy and bad campaign. Our competitors and many others are hatching conspiracy, yet we have been achieving growth,” he said. He was speaking at the inaugural programme of a four-day textile fair at Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC) organised by CEMS Bangladesh. Advisor to the Prime Minister HT Imam, the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) acting president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, deputy high commissioner of India in Bangladesh Assem K Mahajan also spoke at the inaugural ceremony. Mr Amu said the vested quarter has become more active following Rana Plaza collapse and Tazreen fire. Following the industrial disasters, ACCORD and ALLIANCE with the participation of Europe, North America, Asia and Australia, imposed many conditions. “In addition to all of these, the US has suspended GSP facility for Bangladesh in the name of labour safety,” he said. Amu said Bangladesh has been working side-by-side foreign buyers to fulfill the conditions, which were imposed by the buyers. “Despite all the sincerity in fulfilling their demands, it is very sad that GSP was not restored,” he said on a note of frustration. However, industries minister said the apparel sector in the country will not cease to grow. “We will reach US$50 billion export by 2021 and we are working on these, including setting up a hi-tech park for the sector,” he said. Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin urged the government to take initiative to cut interest rate. “Bangladesh has high bank interest rate compared with other competitive countries, including India, Pakistan, Vietnam, Indonesia,” he said. He added that if rate is not reduced the industry would not grow at the expected level. Aseem K Mahajan said India is giving long-time multiple entry visa for Bangladeshi businessmen now. It is part of the initiative to improve bilateral trade relation. Textech exhibition series has become a brand held every year in Bangladesh, Brazil, Sri Lanka and Indonesia, organisers said.
