Focussing more on RMG sector

It is a good piece of news that Bangladesh has secured the top position in garment shipments to the European Union during the January-March period, overtaking China in terms of quantity. Reportedly, we exported 133 kilograms of ready-made garment (RMG) compared with China's 131 kilograms last year. Though Bangladesh has advanced in the volume of readymade garments, it's still lagging behind China in terms of sale proceeds. China has exported readymade garments worth USD 30.15 billion to EU last year while the country's export has increased by 17 per cent.

China is Bangladesh's strong competitor in the international apparel market. Bangladesh is the second (third in some cases) leading country in exporting essential apparel around the globe and this demand is increasing continuously in the global market. While the end to the Russia-Ukraine war is not visible on the horizon, Bangladesh's exports to the EU plus countries like UK, Canada, and USA can be expected to continue to increase. Importing countries are looking forward to Bangladesh as the cost of making clothes in China is also higher than in Bangladesh. Due to political instability in Myanmar and Ethiopia, we are getting additional orders from the US, which has put Bangladesh in an advantageous position. So, all kinds of support should be provided to our RMG sector in order to make it earn the top position both in terms of quantity and revenue earning.

The issue of RMG workers' welfare, their safety and security should also be addressed. Since they are running wheels of this industry, their well-being should always be a priority. RMG companies should ensure their workers' leave, medical and other facilities. Introducing green environment in factories should be encouraged too. We should not forget that RMG is the sector which can keep the economy of the country healthy.

MA Islam,

Dhanmondi, Dhaka,

asheqbd@gmail.com