Mid-level foreign manpower not required in RMG sector

Bangladesh will not need to hire foreign nationals for mid-level managerial jobs in the RMG sector as the local workforce now fit well for the role as they upgrade their skills, Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has said.

“We have been hiring foreign workers for a long time. Now, enough skilled manpower is being created in the country. We no longer have to rely on foreign managers. BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) has been playing a vital role in creating skilled manpower for this field,” he said while addressing a program on Thursday.

The minister was attending the Orientation and Certificate Awarding Ceremony of the BUFT-EPB PGD Program for mid-level management, organized by BUFT in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce, in Turag.

The PGD program is designed to produce skilled managers in the RMG sector, says a press release.

“Our aim is to reduce the dependence on foreign manpower in the garment sector and the commerce ministry has taken this special initiative to create skilled manpower. The skilled manpower prepared by us will meet the needs of the country,” the minister said.

Bangladesh’s apparel sector has emerged as the second largest exporter of ready-made garments in the world by efficiently coping with many adverse conditions. At present, about 82% of our exports come from the readymade garment sector, the minister added.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said that rapid advances in technologies led to a rise in demand for workers and professionals who were skilled enough to operate advanced machinery and conduct complex and sophisticated production processes.

“While automation in the industry will pose new challenges, it will also increase productivity and competitiveness. We need to reap the benefits of industry 4.0 through skills development,” he said.

He said though there was a perception that automation would result in the loss of many jobs, new jobs would emerge through the adoption of technologies.