Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), addressed a seminar organized by the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) in Dhaka on December 31, press release said Monday.
He stressed the imperative need for innovation, technological upgradation, design and skill development to ensure the continued competitiveness of Bangladesh’s apparel industry in the global market. He also emphasized the pivotal role of diversification in products, fiber, and market as key priorities for the industry.
Dr. Mashiur Rahman, former Economic Affairs Adviser to the Honorable Prime Minister, attended the seminar as chief guest.
In his speech, Faruque Hassan highlighted the strategic vision of BGMEA to transform the industry from labor-intensive manufacturing to a paradigm of innovation, high-value production, and modern manufacturing processes.
“We have taken a vision to remodel our industry, from labor-intensive manufacturing to innovation, high-value and modern manufacturing process to make it competitive in the longer run,” he added.
Looking ahead to 2024 and the next decade, Faruque Hassan underscored the need for planned and concerted efforts to address challenges associated with Least Developed Country (LDC) graduation and changing market demands, prioritizing non-cotton and high-value-added markets.
He expressed optimism that Bangladesh’s RMG industry would be able to navigate the upcoming challenges and continue its growth momentum with the support of all stakeholders including the government, buyers and development partners.
The seminar brought together notable speakers including Masud Bin Momen, Foreign Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Md Ehsan-E-Elahi, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment; Tapan Kanti Ghosh, Senior Secretary, Ministry of Commerce; Major General Md Abu Bakar Siddique Khan, Director General, BIISS; Ambassador A F M Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman, BIISS; Professor Mustafizur Rahman, Executive Director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD); Kamran T. Rahman, Senior Vice President, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI); and Md. Akhter Hossain Apurbo, Vice President, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).
