HSBC’s Serai Limited, a digital B2B platform, has launched several solutions to help RMG manufacturers, suppliers and buyers on its platform identify, monitor and mitigate risks associated with trade. Serai’s customers can now identify and monitor risks early through its partnerships with global solution providers Euler Hermes, Dun and Bradstreet and Coface. Serai is a digital B2B platform that enables Bangladeshi apparel suppliers and manufacturers to connect with buyers and brands worldwide. In partnership with Euler Hermes, Coface and Dun and Bradstreet, leading experts in trade credit insurance and data analytics, companies on Serai’s platform can now access information to help them assess the financial health and creditworthiness of their buyers or suppliers, said in a press release. These insights can help companies monitor their counterparties and identify risks early on, potentially saving their business time and costs in the long run. “Even before COVID-19, the apparel industry was faced with challenges – from the changing policies on trade tariffs, increasing pressure on supplier payment terms, and an increased demand for supply chain transparency with regards to sustainable materials and practices. COVID-19 just accelerated and amplified some of these challenges” explained Vivek Ramachandran, CEO of Serai, on the importance for companies in the apparel industry to have an effective risk management framework. “Order cancellations, reduced order volumes, extended payment terms and shipping delays left many in the industry in a situation of financial uncertainty” he added. According to a report from Better Buying, only 17% of suppliers could confirm they have some form of insurance that guarantees payment for orders in the event that customers default on their contractual obligations, stated in the press release. About 57.4% suppliers do not have such insurance. With RMG being the main export sector in Bangladesh, it is especially important that suppliers protect themselves from potential loss of revenue due to order cancellations. The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) members alone reported $ three billion loss with all its orders until July being cancelled or suspended; whereas BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) said some 1,048 member factories had reported that orders for over 900 million garments had been cancelled or held up. The solutions provided by Serai allows its customers to conduct an end-to-end risk assessment on their counterparties, from obtaining financial, market and credit research, to risk prevention, monitoring and protection services. Apparel suppliers and manufacturers in Bangladesh who are keen to learn how they can manage trade risk can get in touch with Serai.
