Bangladesh has been experiencing an exponential growth in RMG sector since 80s and is likely to enjoy the growth in future supported by an experienced workforce, said a sector expert on Wednesday.Analysing data from 1980 to 2013, Dr Moazzem Hossain of Griffith University of Australia, showed that Vietnam and India are going to be the main RMG competitors of Bangladesh in the coming days.“But Bangladesh will be in a better position in the competition compared with its main competitor Vietnam because it has a quite experienced workforce in RMG sector,” he stated.The observation came at a session of the closing day of two-day international conference of Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) held on October 30-31 in the capital.Dr Moazzem made a keynote presentation styled: ‘Ready Made Garment: Long Term Prospects for Bangladesh’ at the session on ‘Natural Hazards and Business.’He said timely delivery is the most important factor in RMG exports and Bangladesh enjoys a good reputation globally in this regard.“How and when you can deliver are some of the most pertinent elements in RMG,” he remarked.“The industry is now on a solid base and an important issue for Bangladesh is how it will grab the share of China which is losing interest in garment manufacturing in future,” he pointed out.Referring to “flying gees theory” of a Japanese expert, the researcher said China is going to follow example of Japan that started producing garment in 60s but later shifted to other high-value products.The country’s main opportunity lies there, he said, adding: “If Bangladesh remains competitive, there is huge prospects in RMG exports.”Dr Moazzem also thinks that RMG sector has a big role to play in national growth and removing poverty in Bangladesh in its journey towards sustainable development.“RMG has been expanding rapidly and it has a great contribution to economy, removing poverty and job creation,” he said.He outlined labour cost, geographical location, port facility and preferential market access, among others, as major contributors behind the development.According to him, the government’s support in terms of policy and incentives also helped a lot. He said policies are right on track, but there is room for making some changes to wage structure.
