Simplify the export procedure, urges BGMEA
Apparel sector leaders added that the garment factories are still struggling to survive and recover from the losses and shocks triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested the commerce ministry to simplify readymade garment (RMG) export procedures, so that the sector could move forward by addressing current challenges.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made the request to Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh during a meeting at the ministry on Wednesday, adding that the garment factories are still struggling to survive and recover from the losses and shocks of the Covid-19 pandemic.
"Under the current circumstances, simplification of the export procedure would help the industry turn around," he said at the meeting.
In response, Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh said the ministry would brainstorm ways to ease export procedures and take steps on the matter accordingly.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association's (BKMEA) First Vice President Mohammad Hatem also attended the meeting, along with commerce ministry's Additional Secretary Md Hafizur Rahman.
On the same day, BGMEA leaders – headed by the organisation's President Faruque Hassan – held another meeting with Labour and Employment Secretary KM Abdus Salam at the ministry.
The association requested the ministry to find a way of effectively using the central fund to boost garment workers' welfare. They also urged the ministry to fund the education of workers' children.