RMG buyers return with bigger import orders

Manufacturers of readymade garments (RMG) have expressed their optimism to achieve their export growth target in the coming months, thanks to improved working conditions and stable political situation, industry insiders said.  
They said many international buyers are now coming back to Bangladesh following better business environment. Most of local exporters have already bagged bigger orders than before.
"Most garment units are now booked for next couple of months, mainly due to a shift of international buyers to Bangladesh again. Such a shift is attributed to restoration of political stability in the country and better working conditions in factories," Managing Director of Envoy Group Abdus Salam Murshedy  told the FE recently.
"We are hopeful of further increase in exports of garments, thanks to the better business environment," he said.
Mr Murshedy , also the president of the Exporters' Association of Bangladesh (EAB) said if such an increase of orders continues, then entrepreneurs might need to increase their production capacity.  
"If we can handle orders smoothly, the country might achieve a significant growth of exports in the ongoing financial year (2013-14)."
Managing Director of the Onus Group Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin said orders in his factories have almost doubled in the two months compared to that of last six months.
"Local factories are in a better position now as they are getting more orders because of various reasons like improved compliance in factories, increased wages and above all, better political conditions," he added.
Mr Mohiuddin, however, also urged all concerned to act carefully over receiving orders and its execution.
"I will urge all the factory owners to maintain compliance in their factories and follow all business norms from production to shipment for the greater interest of the nation."
Managing Director of Mahin Group, Abdullah Al-Mahmud, a leading garment maker, said the higher growth of garment exports will continue in the months to come if the country can ensure continuation of the present working and political conditions.
"My factory is booked for the next few months. Demand for the local garments has gone up as the buyers are now regaining their confidence over Bangladesh."
"There is no possibility of a fall in orders in the next one year," said Momin Mondol, Managing Director of Mondol Group, said.
Mr Mondol, who supplies some brands to Turkey, one of the leading players in apparel business worldwide, said the Turkish buyers are also coming to Bangladesh due to higher production costs there.
He said many manufacturers are mulling to expand their capacity because the international buyers are now coming back with bigger orders.
Vice-Chairman of state-owned Export Promotion Bureau, Suvashis Bosh said, "The trend indicates that our garment exports will grow even higher."
"Developed quality of high-end products for some destinations like Japan along with tapping of some other conventional and un-conventional markets will also help boost exports," he added.
Recently, exports of garment items, the highest foreign exchange earning sector in Bangladesh, increased in some new destinations such as Japan, South Africa, Canada, China, India, Australia, New Zealand and in some Latin American countries, Bosh informed.
The country set a target to earn around $12.57 billion with 13.87 per cent growth from woven garment export and $11.58 billion with 10.50 per cent growth from knitwear for the FY-2013-14.
During July-December period, the sector already exceeded its target despite facing a number of deadly incidents and political volatility.