The New Nation - Internet Edition

REPORTED fall in RMG export orders to the tune of thirty-five percent in the last three months is quite alarming. More decrease in export orders in coming months can only spell a disaster. The association of the garment manufacturers and exporters have already expressed their concern over the situation. A spokesman of the (BGMEA) narrated the prevailing political uncertainties, the natural calamities including floods and the price hike of oil and other inputs of garment factories as factors contributing to the situation. They urged the concerned authorities to adopt corrective measures including greater use of port facilities for timely import of inputs and export of finished garment

The overall market share in the world has to be retained by the garment sector with adoption of necessary steps for timely production and marketing. The preferential treatment for garment from Bangladesh had enabled the investors in the past to augment export and foreign exchange earnings. Of course, the quality of finished garment was also upgraded with the installation of latest machinery and the use of skilled and qualified workers. The owners of garment factories also set up training institutions for workers, including young women, for improving their skills and increasing production.

The overall growth of garment exports has been the main objective of investment in the sector. Investors looked for policy support from the government and fiscal support from the financial institutions. Political unrest and abuse of trade unions by some agile quarters in the past encouraged workers to go for frequent strike. As a result, production remained quite uncertain. Foreign buyers of finished garment sometimes failed to obtain shipment of products on time. Some foreign buyers appear to have opted for importing from other countries because of this.

Ready-made garment, the major export-earners of the country, has to be brought under effective policy support and management efficacy. The upcoming competition from countries like China, India and Pakistan which have augmented production of finished garment in the past has to be faced effectively. Increase in production of good quality finished garment with the use of qualified workers and necessary inputs has to be atained. The issues of competitiveness in both quality and price, adequate availability of skilled workforce plus payment of due wages and facilities to workers have to be taken with greater care. The downtrend in the export of garment can be stopped only through concerted efforts of all concerned with the sector.