Database creation, 200 inspectors\\\' recruitment to be made this month: Tofail

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed reiterated Thursday that the conditions including creation of a database and recruitment of 200 inspectors would be met by March for restoration of the GSP facility in the US market.

"Out of 16 conditions, some will take time for their fulfilment while recruitment of 200 inspectors and establishment of database will be done by March," the minister said at the inaugural ceremony of the four-day "International Garment Accessories, Packaging, Machinery, Yarns, Fabrics and Apparel Technology Trade Show (GAPEXPO-2014)".

Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) with Zakaria Trade and Fair International and ASK Trade and Exhibition Pvt Ltd jointly organized the expo at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in the city.

Regarding the harmonization of EPZ law with the existing labour law as one of the conditions, the minister said foreign investors invested in those zones as there was no trade union. "Though trade union is absent in the US, they are putting pressure for the same in Bangladesh's industry," he added.

To restore the GSP, law will be harmonized and trade union will be allowed in the form of workers' welfare association, he said adding despite GSP suspension by the US, Bangladesh's exports to this market has increased.

He also called upon the garment owners to establish good relations with the workers.

It is very common that any problem may develop in a factory but the unfortunate fact is that the US embassy is informed before us, he said criticizing the role of a female workers' leader.

She is not interested about the local garment sector but complained against Bangladesh and she frequently makes foreign tours, he said.

Mr Ahmed also called for political unity for the greater interest of the trade and economy of the country.

He requested BNP leader Khaleda Zia not to go for such political movement again that seriously hampers the economic activities. "Don't force the government to take harsh steps as the government is committed to take necessary actions to protect the economy."

Rafez Alam Chowdhury, president of BGAPMEA said participants from 25 countries including Germany, India, China, Pakistan, Taiwan, Australia and Dubai are showcasing their products including garment manufacturing technology, yarn, fabrics and garment accessories and packaging under one roof for the benefit of the readymade garment sector at 500 stalls.

Md Atiqul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Md Hatem, acting president of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and SK Sur Chowdhury, deputy governor of Bangladesh Bank, among others, spoke at the event.

Shahzada Mahmud Chowdhury, first vice president of BGAPMEA alleged that they are not getting their 'accepted payment' against bank to bank letter of credit timely.

He also demanded of the authority to provide utilization permission (UP) by the association as done by apparel trade body-BGMEA-to ease the import of raw materials and resolve the crisis regarding bond licence.