Garments accessories, packaging manufacturers seek direct export recognition
They said despite exporting goods worth approximately $1.5 billion directly, the government still considers the industry a supporting sector
The Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers Association (BGAPMEA) has demanded that the government recognise them as direct exporters.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of two concurrent exhibitions held at the International Convention City Bashundhara in the capital today (11 January), BGAPMEA President Md Shahriar made the demand.
"Entrepreneurs from this sector export accessories and packaging products worth a total of $8.5 billion annually, including $7.5 billion deemed exported through the garment, pharmaceutical, and other industries, and $1.5 billion directly. Yet, the sector is still not acknowledged as an independent export category," said Md Shahriar.
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He emphasised that granting direct exporter status and policy support would enable the industry to increase its market share in the $750 billion global market.
Despite their significant contribution to the economy and export earnings, providing employment to nearly 8,00,000 people without any labour unrest, the sector still lacks recognition as a direct exporter, Shahriar added.
Responding to BGAPMEA president's remarks, Md Anwar Hossain, vice chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau, assured that upon receiving proper data, necessary steps would be taken to resolve the issues and recognise the sector appropriately.
Former BGAPMEA president Motiur Rahman said past attempts to resolve the situation by appealing to government offices did not yield improvements.
He believes the sector's inclusion in government policy discussions could help create a more business-friendly environment.
Brigadier General (retd) M Sakhawat Hossain, adviser to the ministry of labour and employment, attended the event as chief guest.
The 22nd Garments Technology Bangladesh and the 14th International Garments Accessories and Packaging Expo showcased modern machinery, garment accessories, packaging items, and textile equipment to local exporters and international buyers.
Jointly organised by the BGAPMEA and ASK Trade Show and Exhibition Private Limited, the four-day event at ICCB featured over 500 companies from 25 countries.
The exhibition showcased garments products, cartons, polybags, labels, packaging, threads, buttons, and textile machinery.
'A neighbouring country spreading propaganda'
A neighbouring country has been spreading propaganda and hatching conspiracies against Bangladesh's RMG industry in recent times, adviser Sakhawat said.
"But we will not compromise our country's interests to please others," he said.
Sakhawat also mentioned the banking sector was destroyed due to corruption during the previous government's tenure.
"Various mafia groups were formed, and they will now be shaken up," he added.
The adviser said, "Beximco [Group] took Tk100 crore from a bank without exporting anything. One group alone took Tk58,000 crore as loans."
