The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Wednesday sought policy support from the government to help sustain the competitiveness of the country's apparel sector amid mounting global economic challenges.
In a meeting with Commerce Minister Khandaker Abdul Muktadir at the Secretariat in Dhaka, a BGMEA delegation led by its president Mahmud Hasan Khan placed a series of proposals, according to a statement.
The apparel apex body called for simplifying import and bonded warehouse policies, particularly to facilitate raw material imports under Free of Cost (FOC) arrangements.
It also urged amendments to relevant provisions in the Import Policy (2024-2027).
Among other demands, BGMEA sought withdrawal of the existing 10 per cent income tax deduction on cash incentives to boost garment exports.
It also called for steps to normalise trade relations with India and remove barriers to yarn imports and exports through land ports.
The association further proposed incorporating its recommendations into the amendments to the import policy and urged automation of criteria for granting Commercially Important Person (CIP) status to industry entrepreneurs.
During the meeting, BGMEA leaders highlighted multiple challenges facing the sector and stressed the need for stronger policy support to ensure sustainable growth.
Quoting Mahmud Hasan Khan, the statement said global economic instability, the impact of the Middle East conflict, and local gas and power shortages are severely disrupting production in the apparel industry.
"Rising raw material prices and increasing production costs have further exacerbated the situation," he said, adding that a business-friendly environment and robust policy support are crucial for maintaining global competitiveness.
The meeting also discussed the activities of the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) and its role in addressing future industry challenges.
The commerce minister assured the delegation that the government would provide necessary policy support to help the sector overcome current challenges and sustain Bangladesh's position in the global market.
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