BGMEA demands One-Stop Service in port city

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association has called for initiation of One Stop Service (OSS) in port city in a bid to facilitate export-import activities expeditiously.

The apex body of apparel exporters said the single access point for multiple channels will pave the way for readily carrying out of all activities bearing on the readymade garment industries that will help entertain the increased work order from buyers and ultimately meet the $ 50 annual RMG export target.

The association said this in a view exchange meeting with the journalists on Saturday.

Nearly all investors of RMG sector are Dhaka-based; similarly the import-export department and the headquarters of all banks are capital-centric, added the viewers.

Speaking to the reporters at the BGMEA office in Chattogram BGMEA acting president Nazrul Islam said it is high time a One Stop Service centre was established here in no time.

The readymade garment industries were supposed to be set up in the vicinity of the port, but without being so, they have ended up in Dhaka due to lack of space in Chattogram, which has led to a lot of time being spent on shipping, the leader pointed out.

Only 293 RMG factories are now operational in port city while the rest are closed, because it was not possible for many garment industry owners to relocate to a single building as per the terms and conditions of foreign buyers.

During the view exchange, BGMEA leader Nazrul Islam said in a written statement that the contribution of Chattogram factories to the export of readymade garments is only 12-15 per cent whereas a decade ago it was about 40 per cent.

The country’s garment industry has now turned around after a dry spell caused by the pandemic, and in order to keep pace with the flow of orders and meet the buyers’ demand, the Chattogram port needs to increase its capacity and ensure speedy shipping of goods, and One Stop Service is the only way to do that, he noted.

Former BGMEA vice-presidents MA Salam, Abu Tayyab and Mainuddin Ahmed Mintu also spoke at the programme.