The fact that our RMG exports to the United States increased by 15.43% year on year last January even as the US is reining in its RMG imports is a testament to the sector’s maturity and efficiency in operations.
In fact, as an industry, RMG has also seen its fair share of overhauls as it is now increasingly focused on sustainability and best practices. As our RMG industry has expanded, Bangladesh has pushed for a number of structural changes that have not only improved the quality of our products, but the process itself. We have the most LEED-certified green factories in the entire world, with Bangladeshi merchandise being sought after by most — if not all — the major clothing brands operating internationally.
But such initiatives do not come cheap.
When it comes to the recognition of these efforts in terms of monetary compensation, things are pretty much the same as it had always been. The prices that are paid for our RMG products are a pittance when compared to the eventual retail prices that are charged for these products.
The issue of international buyers dealing in bad faith where payment for exports are delayed for months and year on end further exacerbates the issue of low wages that plague our RMG industry to this day.
This cannot continue.
Relevant government bodies need to step up and make sure international buyers pay us our due in a timely manner. Overall trade agreements have to be set up with countries like the US to enforce such measures on a bilateral level. Relevant stakeholders from the private sector have to be consulted on an ideal course of action — with the setting up of a task force of both public and private stakeholders if necessary.
It is clear that international buyers rely heavily on the prowess of our RMG exports. It’s time they acknowledge it, and pay us what we deserve.
