The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE phasing out of the multifibre arrangement (MFA) was speculated to be a cause of the gradual downturn in the textile sector of Bangladesh. The gloomy forecast was, however, disproved and the textile industry is forging ahead and the same is shown in its increase from export earnings. But the positive trends in the export of textile products, threatened by all pervasive price hike globally, will have to be consolidated with ceaseless efforts that have characterised entrepreneurial rearguard actions in recent years not to allow prospects of this burgeoning sector to be diminished. The entrepreneurs have been proactive and taken initiatives to retain the competitiveness of their products.

The textile industries are now benefiting a great deal from timely restructuring of production systems, training of workers and costs saving as well as efficiency and productivity boosting measures by the entrepreneurs. But these tasks have not been comprehensively completed and should be carried out within a short time-frame. The owners of the textile industries also should put the greatest stress on improving relations with workers. Implementing the enhanced minimum wages, monetary benefits, timely payment of wages, plus improvement of working conditions need to be concluded within a time-bound framework.

Such measures would help quell the growing signs of labour trouble showing up in these industries that pose both long and short-term threats to the sector. Overseas buyers of apparel are increasingly linking their imports from Bangladesh to their expected standards of treatment of the workers. Thus focussed attention is needed to this area. The Government, on its part, may extend support to the sector through fiscal and monetary policies. Gas and power supply to industries should be uninterrupted. Port charges and handling costs should be kept to the minimum. This will add to competitiveness of the sector.