DHAKA: Increasing skilled manpower in design and providing necessary apparel solutions to retailers can help the textile industry of Bangladesh to achieve its export target of $50 billion by 2021, said David Hasanat, chairman and CEO of Viyellatex Group. He also said that challenges faced by the RMG sector can be tackled using new technology, training and research.
Bangladesh can also go beyond its export target, added Hasanat while addressing the roundtable on ‘$50 billion export target and the role of Centre of Excellence for Bangladesh Apparel Industry (CEBAI)’. It was organised by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in association with the CEBAI and International Labour Organization (ILO). It is important to provide garment solutions and supply all types of garment and apparel made in Bangladesh, said Hasanat. He also said that less than 1 per cent manufacturers in Bangladesh offer design support to buyers. Over 20,000 expatriate experts are taking over $5 billion from the country every year due to the shortage of skilled manpower. This amount is higher than the net profit of the local garment exporters, according to Hasanat. Occupational safety, gas and power supply, transportations, port services, market diversification and more also need to be addressed, added Hasanat.
Bangladesh can expand its market by exporting garments to countries like India, China, Japan and South Korea, said Faruque Hassan, vice president, BGMEA. Hassan also said that the country should diversify its products. While trousers, shirts and t-shirts make up for 79 per cent of the total apparel exports per year, exports of suits, swimwear, sportswear and blazers have also been increasing.
