RMG to play pivotal role in next phase of BD development

The ready-made garment (RMG) industry is not only contributing to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh, but also bringing glory for the nation, said Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), reports BSS.
"The apparel industry is carrying the 'Made in Bangladesh' trade mark across the world and we are all proud of it. The industry belongs to all people of this country -- development of the sector means development of Bangladesh and betterment of its people," he said.
Faruque also said the next phase of Bangladesh's economic growth would hugely depend on the industrial sector where the apparel industry would play the pivotal role. "So it's the responsibility of all people to protect the industry for the greater interests of our country," he said.
The BGMEA president came up with the observations while speaking at an event titled 'Sustainability of the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: Policies, Scopes and Constraints' organised by Solidaridad Network Asia and ESTex Foundation held at a hotel in the capital on Thursday.
The programme aims to provide a platform to policy makers and sectoral stakeholders for highlighting the policy gaps and needs and constraints, exploring new opportunities and initiating pathways for implementing solutions to the environmental, social, and economic issues to achieve sustainability of the apparel industry of Bangladesh.
In his address, Faruque called on brands and retailers to be rational in terms of pricing to make the supply chain resilient and sustainable.
"There is a sharp disconnect between sustainability and pricing mechanisms. Our factories are increasingly investing for safety and sustainability.
Besides, prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global supply chain have pushed up production costs in garment manufacturing. But, prices are not being offered in line with the context. The gap needs to be closed," he added.
Mohammad Hasan Arif, general manager, Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA), Selim Reza Hasan, country manager, Solidaridad Network Asia, Syed Naved Husain, group director, BEXIMCO Limited and Dr Mohidus Samad Khan of EStex Foundation also attended the programme.