The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Owners of garment industries, labour leaders and economists at a seminar in the city yesterday maintained that Bangladesh should stick to its on going campaign to realise duty free access of ready made garment products into the US markets.

They said if the US Government allows duty free access of Bangladeshi products into its market it will create an employment opportunity for 1,80,000 people including 1,44,000 women.

They were of the view that RMG sector could play an important role in alleviating poverty of our proper by earning increased foreign currency through expanding its foreign markets.

They called upon the US Government as well as policy makers to ensure duty free access of Bangladeshi products to their markets.

The speakers made these observations at a seminar titled on "Livelihood Implication of Ready Made Garments (RMG) Industry, organised by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at its office in the capital.

Gonoforum President Dr Kamal Hossain was present as chief guest while economist Edward Gresser, Director of Trade and Global Markets Project of Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) of US, attended it as guest of honour.

Abdus Salam, first Vice- President of BGMEA, delivered the welcome speech while Faisal Samad, second Vice- President of the organisation, moderated the seminar.

Dr Mostafa Abid Khan, Joint Chief of Bangladesh Tariff Commission, presented the keynote paper on livelihood of ready-made garment sectors of the country.

Terming the RMG as most potential and flourishing sector of the country, Dr Kamal Hossain said dynamic young people engaged in this sector are not only promoting the country's economy and growth but also contributing to global development.

"Involvement of a large number of women in this sector has created a revolution of self-dependency," he said and called upon the owners to protect the interests of the buyers and workers to maintain the continuity of notable growth of this industry.

He opined that problems relating to the garments industries could amicably be resolved through discussions by the owners, workers and the Government.

"Interaction among all the stakeholders is necessary for resolving any issue of the garment industries," he noted.

Dr Kamal said many import oriented countries have turned into exporter ones due to human resources development, up to date knowledge and information.

He called upon BGMEA to give more stress on research and interaction with a view to coping with the challenges facing to this sector.

Edward Gresser said the overall export volume of Bangladeshi products to the US market has increased despite decrease of export from some other countries.

Bangladesh is the sixth largest exporters of apparel in the world after China, European Union (EU), Hong Kong, Turkey and India. The number of garment industries has increased steadily since 80s and it stood at 4,330 last year.