The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Commerce Minister Lt Col (retd) Faruk Khan Yesterday said the government is trying to turn the BGMEA Institute of Fashion and Technology (BIFT) into a full-fledged university for diversification of RMG products in the present competitive global market.

He urged the BFTI members to select a suitable place where the planned university could be set up excepting the metropolis.

The minister was inaugurating a product development centre dubbed 'Centre of Export and Product Development (CEPD)' at its Bhaban here. United Nations Industrial Development Organization (INIDO) supported the setting up of the centre.

BIFT president Muzaffar Uddin Siddique presided over the function while president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Abdus Salam Murshedy addressed it as special guest.

International coordinator of UNIDO Bangladesh John T Smith, chief technical adviser David Holbourne and project manager of UNIDO, Vienna David Lee also spoke as designated discussants. Principal of BIFT Prof Mohammad Salek gave the welcome speech.

Faruk Khan described the RMG as one of the most important sectors considering its 80 percent contribution to the total export volume and said, it has so far created four million jobs directly or indirectly, mostly women.

The tremendous job creation of over four million for women is a shinning example of their empowerment, he said adding that a large number of rural people mostly women, who once upon a time were not able to earn their livelihood, are now leading prestigious lives besides contributing their families.

Faruk hoped that Bangladesh's fashion, culture and tradition would be able to fulfill the world market requirement but knowledge has become inevitable to explore more international export order.

John T Smith said, the RMG sector, considered as lifeline of the economy, has a tremendous potential and that is why a remarkable performance needed to sustain in world market in strong point of bargaining.

Lee was hopeful about brining a new competitiveness of the country's RMG products as foreign buyers will now be fully satisfied with quicker response as per their requirement either quality or standard.

Murshedy listed price competition, productivity, quality and innovation of new products as the major challenges in the sector.

In order to survive in the competitiveness, in the international market, he said, creative culture should be promoted for innovation of new products and ensure better services.

Bangladesh needed skilled manpower side by side with increasing efficiency to address the emerging challenges in the sector in the days ahead, said Prof Salek.