RMG accessories, the backward linkage of the clothing industry, can contribute over 25% to achieving $50 billion RMG export target by 2021, if provided with adequate government support.Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) president Md Abdul Kader Khan told daily sun in an exclusive interview yesterday.How can Bangladesh be self-reliant in RMG accessories?Currently, Bangladesh can meet about 100% of local demand as the manufacturers have full-fledged production capacity. But due to the buyers’ recommendations, RMG manufacturers have to source from other countries. To be self-dependent, more investment in modern technology and creating more skill manpower is needed.Does Bangladesh have enough skilled manpower?Skilled manpower is a key to producing best quality products. But we don’t have enough skilled workforce. Were trying hard to establish a training institute to train our workers. If the government provides land and financial support to establish a training institution, it will help Bangladesh to meet 100% local demands.How can accessories help earn $50 billion target by 2021?RMG sector people had set an export target of $50 billion by 2021. It is possible, but not only by the RMG manufacturers, but also by other stakeholders like accessories. If the government provides all-out support to the sub sector, we’ll be able to contribute 25% out of $50 billion RMG export target by 2021. In the last fiscal year, accessories contributed $6.12 billion to country’s $28 billion RMG export.What is needed to produce international standard products in high-end product segment?Fashion trends and designs are changing every day across the globe, while the innovation is taking place in technology. To cope with the change, investment in new technology is a must. In this regard, the government has to provide policy support, including tax waiver on the import of machinery and low cost funds.What are the challenges in the sector?Lack of smooth gas and power supply is a big challenge for this sector. Frequent hike in gas and electricity prices is another problem. While, compliance is another issue as the global retailers asked the manufacturers to make workplace safe and compliant.How can Bangladesh directly export accessories?The government and manufacturers have to take initiatives to showcase Bangladeshi products to the global buyers through participation in international expo. While, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) can play an important role in displaying our products as they deal with the international fairs. Bangladeshi commercial wings in different countries can also work as an ambassador for the accessories products.What is needed to make the sector compliant?Buyers are unwilling to place orders in a non-compliant factories. They asked the RMG manufacturers to source accessories from a safe and compliant factories. Some of the factories need relocation to make safe, but it cost too high.That is why, the factory owners need government support, including low-cost fund with easy term so that they can relocate to new places. Currently, there are 1,465 manufacturers in the country.
