Accessories and packaging, readymade garment (RMG), business leaders, and govt. representatives alike – called for a unified approach to overcome the existing multifaceted challenges in the entire apparel value chain to achieve the RMG export target of $100 billion by 2030. Leaders make this call at the inauguration ceremony of the 20th edition of GARMENTECH Bangladesh 2023 in Dhaka.
Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, MP of Constituency Dhaka-10 was the Chief Guest at the event. While, Faruque Hassan, President, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA); Md. Jashim Uddin, President, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI); Mohammad Moazzem Hossain Moti, President, Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA); Himanshu Hasmukhbhai Bodawala, President, Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SGCCI), India were present as Special Guests.
Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said, “Achieving the $100 billion apparel export target by 2030 is a huge task but definitely achievable. The govt. is very clear about aiding the country’s economic backbone industry. Along with the govt., other leading associations like FBCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, BGAPMEA, etc. – we want to remove all the obstacles by working together.”
“Remember that we have a glorious history of turning challenges into opportunities. From Rana Plaza, and child labor allegations, to fast fashion-led low-cost – we have to withstand all the hurdles. Not to mention the war of independence in 1971. So, we are confident that Bangladesh textile and apparel industry – and its allied sub-sectors – will surely overcome the present impediments,” Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin added.
Md. Jashim Uddin said, “I call upon the country’s political leaders to solve the present problems in NBR and other obstacles that are hindering our apparel export. In addition, a strong backward linkage industry is a prerequisite in sustaining the industry and achieving the export target.”
Faruque Hassan said, “Despite the looming global recession and supply-chain disruption we have achieved a noteworthy growth of 27.64% and exported $45.70 billion worth of apparel items in the just concluded 2022CY. This growth was possible due to our backward linkage capability. The textile, specialized textiles, accessories and packaging sectors alike, supported Bangladesh’s RMG industry to achieve this growth. Correspondingly, I want to express my gratitude to our government for supporting us wholeheartedly.”
“Most importantly, to achieve the $100 billion export target by 2030, we need more capacity building and innovation, automation and unification among all of us – which will enable us in achieving the export target.”
BGMEA President specially thanked the accessories and packaging sector for meeting almost 100% demand of the RMG industry.
Moazzem Hossain Moti said, “Accessories and packaging sector has attained its 100% self-reliance to fully support the country’s apparel industry. Which aspires to achieve the $100 billion export target by 2030. And it is no secret that having a strong backward linkage sub-segment like accessories and packaging is paramount in achieving the apparel export target. The accessories and packaging sector is a proud contributor to the country’s apparel industry by supplying top-notch products. On top of that in the FY2022-23, we have exported $7 billion in products in addition.”
“I will appeal to our apparel industry leaders to choose ‘Made in Bangladesh’ accessories products – which will make the supply chain more durable, especially in the ongoing global uncertainties. I will also demand our RMG entrepreneurs be more vocal regarding buyers’ preference for using accessories from abroad. Use your strong negotiation to bypass buyers’ nomination of foreign companies. I strongly request BGMEA and other associations to use locally made international standard products. Our BGAPMEA members are showcasing their latest innovations and collections at this show.”
In terms of dealing with challenges, BGAPMEA President said, “I urge the leaders to form a task force combining the accessories sector, garment sector, Commerce Ministry, Finance Ministry’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) – which will work in unison to eradicate the day-to-day problems we face in apparel and its allied sectors. The task force will show the future path of the govt. high-ups to solve the challenges we are facing.”
Zahir Uddin Haider, Chairman, Standing Committee on Trade Fair, BGAPMEA gave the welcome speech at the event.
For the past 20 years, GARMENTECH Bangladesh has been bringing the global technology Players under one roof showcasing cutting-edge sewing, finishing, embroidery machinery and spares and allied products, thus making it a preferred choice of RMG makers to visit and source their needs.
This year, four other concurrent shows – 11th International Garment Accessories & Packaging Expo (GAPEXPO-2023), International Yarn & Fabrics Sourcing Fair 2023 and India Textile Trade Fair in Bangladesh (ITTF) are taking place at the expo – which will continue till 14 January. BGAPMEA was the organizer of the GAPEXPO-2023 inaugural ceremony.
