RMG accessories makers want their issues addressed

Manufacturers of garment accessories on Sunday called on the government to consider their issues in its plan to face the upcoming challenges in the apparel sector for ensuring a level playing field to contribute to the country’s clothing industry.

The garments accessories and packaging businesses called for inducting them in the plan on a priority basis as studies on the garments sector are in progress at government and private levels to resolve possible problems caused by LDC graduation and the emergence of 4IR.

They made the call at a press conference on GAPEXPO 2023 organised by Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) at a hotel in the capital.

BGAPMEA President Mohammad Moazzem Hossain Moti said Bangladesh’s garments sector could reach today’s position for the contribution of the accessories and packaging industry.

“In the 1980s, Bangladesh had to import garments accessories and packaging products from international sources, but now the scenario has changed thanks to local entrepreneurs. Nowadays, we meet the market demand amply. So, our sector should get priority in any sort of discussion and study on the apparel sector,” he added.

Moazzem informed that they have more than 1,900 members and their investment is over Tk 40,000 crore. Seven lakh people are directly engaged in the sector, he said.

“We have a diversified tally of 60 products. Our annual export was on average $7 billion in the past few years. We exported our products to 21 countries,” said Moazzem.

“We won’t get any preferential facilities on export to most of the developed countries including the USA, and EU after LDC graduation by 2026. So, it will leave an impact on our sector. So, we expect all discussions and studies on facing the challenges of LDC graduation and 4IR should encompass our sector too,” he said.

GAPEXPO 2023 begins on Jan 11

In the press conference, the BGAPMEA president said they are going to organise an international garments accessories and packaging expo jointly with ASK Trade & Exhibition Pvt Ltd to showcase different products, machinery and raw materials to be held on January 11-14 2023 at the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB), Dhaka.

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi will inaugurate the expo as the chief guest while Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan, Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) President Md Jashim Uddin, and its former president Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin are expected to present there.

Moazzem said on the closing day on January 14, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud is expected to attend there and hand over 13 trophies among exporters and women entrepreneurs.

Besides, 12 young entrepreneurs will also get crests.