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Knitwear export to Japan can fetch billion dollar

Sunday, 26 July 2009


The country can fetch US $ one billion by exporting knitwear to Japan within next five years, if proper steps are taken, reports BSS.
Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) President Fazlul Haque said this after his return home from Japan Friday.
A number of 20-member BKMEA delegation led by its president visited Japan from July 20-23, a press release said Saturday.
Fazlul Haque said regular contacts with the Japanese importers, participation in trade fairs, diversification of products and reforms in rules of origin to avail duty-free facilities are essentially needed to achieve the goal.
During the visit, the BKMEA delegation exchanged views with the leaders of Japan Textiles Importers Association (JTIA), Japan Chemical Fibers Association (JCFA) and UNIQLO, the largest retail chain and garment importers organisation.
They also exchanged views with the Japanese journalists.
During the discussion, the BKMEA delegation gave presentations on Bangladeshi knitwear products showing its strong position in the international market, its competitive price and the country's ability to export within the shortest possible time.
UNIQLO Vice-president Hiroshi Nagai expressed his eagerness to double its import of knitwear products from Bangladesh and emphasised on improving quality of products and its diversification.
Japan, the fourth largest garment importer in the world, imports garments worth US $ 23 billion annually, of which US $11 billion is knitwear.
The JCFA leaders showed interest in investing in backward linkage industries of garment sector in Bangladesh.
The UNIQLO representatives and the journalists ensured their participation in the '5th Bangladesh Knit Exposition' to be held in Dhaka Sheraton Hotel on November 2-4.