BGMEA
BGMEA for promoting ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has sought cooperation from the media to change the narrative of Bangladesh’s garment industry which has a lot of "achievements and positive stories" to tell the world.
“It goes without saying how important the contribution of journalists to the development of the garment industry is. You have made a significant contribution to the glorious journey of the garment sector, especially in the development of the image of this industry in the local and international arena,” he said.
READ: BGMEA for promoting ‘Made in Bangladesh’ brand
Faruque Hassan made remarks while speaking at an Iftar Mahfil organized by the BGMEA for the journalists working in the print, electronic and online media at Dhaka Club on Friday.
He said, “Many thanks for your sincere support to the garment industry, a sector that has been making an invaluable contribution to the socioeconomic transformation of Bangladesh, making a difference to the lives of millions of people.”
BGMEA for inclusion of more transgender people into mainstream economy
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called for the need to create more employment opportunities for transgender people to include them into the mainstream economy.
"Transgender people are often treated in such a manner as if they are outsiders. We have to change the negative attitude towards transgender people and create employment opportunities so that they can become self-reliant and contribute to the economy," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
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The BGMEA chief was addressing a ceremony of the "Social Responsibility Award 2022" held in Dhaka Friday to inspire transgender people.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs KM Khalid attended the programme as chief guest.
"Opportunities are opening up for the transgender community to live a dignified life through employment in formal sectors. It's encouraging to see transgender people are being included into the mainstream economy, though their number is still insignificant," Faruque said.
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"With their talent and indomitable determination, the transgender people have turned themselves into skilled apparel workers. With their jobs in the garment factories, they are becoming self-aware, financially independent, and proud citizens within the society," he added.
"However, an all-out effort from all quarters is required to make real change in this field. Apart from the garment industry, we should also explore the opportunities that are available for them in other sectors," the BGMEA president said.
Lawmaker Aroma Dutta, SheMen Welfare Organization President Dr Ariful Hoque and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Ashim Kumar Dey also spoke at the programme.
Read Empowering transgender and hijra communities a priority of the state: NBR chairman
AAFA, BGMEA sign MoU to increase trade access for Bangladesh to US market
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to support Bangladesh in promoting its trade interests in the US market.
The two groups will explore opportunities and work together to increase trade access for Bangladesh, improve purchasing practices, build on the great work already done by the Bangladeshi industry on sustainability, and expand the strong partnership between the U.S. and Bangladeshi industry.
AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar and BGMEA President Faruque Hassan shared the pen in Washington, D.C. during the annual AAFA Executive Summit which convenes the AAFA Board of Directors and industry leadership, said the BGMEA on Saturday.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Abdullah HilRakib and Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud and Director of Mahmud Group Gazi Mahbubul Aalm were present at the meeting.
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“Together, we aim to unlock potential of Bangladesh’s RMG sector by enhancing competiveness through building capacities and embracing innovations and technologies, and facilitating trade access to the US market. We also aim to develop joint programs that train workers and mid- and top- management, explore new CSR initiatives to support the well-being of the workers and communities, and more,” said BGMEA President Faruque Hassan.
AAFA’s comprehensive work ensures the continued success and growth of the global apparel and footwear industry, its suppliers, and its customers. With this in mind, agreements with strategic partners around the world help reduce trade barriers, encourage sharing of ESG best practices, and promote innovation on behalf of our members, said AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar.
“Today’s collaboration marks increased capacity building to support joint practices and trainings to advance supply chain sustainability, expand trade opportunities, improve the buyer-supplier partnership.”
BGMEA seeks collaboration with apparel brands in producing high-end products
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has called upon global apparel brands to collaborate with their suppliers to build their capacities in manufacturing high-end apparels, especially non-cotton items and textile textiles.
He also urged the brands to increase their sourcing from Bangladesh in the coming days, according to BGMEA.
Faruque mentioned diversification of products as a key to ensure sustained growth of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
A delegation of BGMEA led by President Faruque Hassan has joined the Executive Summit of American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) being held in Washington D.C. to represent the apparel industry of Bangladesh and showcase its success stories and potential among international brands and buyers.
READ: BGMEA for strengthening diplomatic efforts to expand exports to US
The delegation comprised Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Abdullah Hil Rakib and Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, and Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud.
The AAFA Executive Summit 2022 has brought together senior level executives from retail, apparel, footwear, and fashion accessory brands from the U.S. and the globe for two days of thought-provoking dialogue.
On the sideline of the event, the BGMEA leaders met with senior representatives of leading apparel brands including Halide Alagöz, Executive Vice President, Chief Supply Chain and Sustainability Officer at Ralph Lauren Corp, Christopher J. Volpe, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at United Legwear and Apparel Co. and Chris Gleeson, Director, Global Marketing, YKK (USA) Inc on Thursday.
During the meetings the BGMEA chief apprised them of the paradigm shift of Bangladesh’s garment industry in the area of workplace safety and exemplary strides in environmental sustainability.
READ: Close cooperation on trade can be win-win for Bangladesh, Indonesia: BGMEA
He also shed light on the industry’s commitment and continued efforts to remain as a preferred choice of global apparel brands as a safe, ethical and sustainable sourcing destination.
Alongside the safety and sustainability, the industry is also increasingly focusing on diversifying its products, especially high-end non-cotton items and building capacities to cater to the demands of global brands and buyers.
BGMEA for strengthening diplomatic efforts to expand exports to US
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has reiterated the need for strengthening diplomatic efforts to boost bilateral relationship with the USA and expand trade and business between the two countries.
“Newer challenges will emerge for Bangladesh in the post-LDC period as the trade facilities currently being enjoyed by the country will no longer be available after the graduation. In such context, Bangladesh needs to step up its diplomatic efforts in our major export markets like the USA to create enabling environment to expand our trade,” he said.
He made the remarks while exchanging views with Bangladesh Ambassador to the USA M Shahidul Islam in Washington D.C on Tuesday during a lunch hosted by the envoy in honor of the BGMEA President and the delegation.
READ: Close cooperation on trade can be win-win for Bangladesh, Indonesia: BGMEA
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Director Abdullah Hil Rakib, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy Ferdousi Shahriar and Commercial Counsellor at the embassy Md Salim Reza were present also at the meeting.
The BGMEA delegation apprised the envoy about the present situation of Bangladesh’s RMG industry, its challenges and the areas where the sector is working on to enhance its competitiveness in the coming days.
Diversification in products, especially shift to non-cotton and high-end product segment, market diversification and innovation in product development and process optimization are some of the priorities for the industry, they said.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan sought support and cooperation of the Bangladesh Embassy in promoting bilateral trade between Bangladesh and the USA, especially increasing garment exports to the US market.
He also called upon Ambassador Shahidul Islam to assist in attracting investment from US businessmen and non-resident Bangladeshis in textile industries in Bangladesh.
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The BGMEA leaders paid homage to those who had made supreme sacrifices for the cause of their mother tongue---Bangla – in front of Shaheed Minar on the embassy premises, said the BGMEA.
They also paid tributes to Father of the Nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in front of his memorial at the Embassy.
Close cooperation on trade can be win-win for Bangladesh, Indonesia: BGMEA
Close bilateral cooperation between Bangladesh and Indonesia can pave the way for deriving mutual trade benefits, especially in the apparel and textile sector, according to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
"There are huge prospects of trade between the two South Asian countries. Collaborative engagement is required to identify the scope and ways to take full advantage of the opportunities," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Monday.
He also stressed the need for identifying and removing trade barriers, especially to Bangladesh's apparel exports to the Indonesian market.
Faruque was addressing a discussion organised virtually by the BGMEA and Indonesian Textile Association (API).
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Indonesia Ambassador to Bangladesh Heru Hartanto Subolo; API Chairman Jemmy Kartiwa Sastraatmaja and Chairwoman Anne P Sutanto, and representatives of Indonesian textile companies also joined the discussion.
Faruque said Bangladesh's apparel industry is pursuing the next level of its growth through diversification of products, especially high-end non-cotton apparel products and technical textiles, which has created a demand for man-made fibres and fabrics.
Indonesian textile can meet the demand of Bangladesh's apparel sector, he added.
BGMEA, Amfori intend to collaborate to pursue sustainability in RMG sector
A delegation of BGMEA headed by President Faruque Hassan met with President of Amfori Linda Kromjong and Senior Legal Advisor – Trade and Customs Stuart Newman in Brussels on Tuesday.
This is for the first time any delegation from BGMEA visited the Amfori headquarters and held a high-level meeting with the leadership of Amfori which represents over 2,400 retailers, importers, brands and associations from more than 40 countries, said a media release.
BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali and Directors Asif Ashraf, Tanvir Ahmed and Abdullah Hil Rakib were present at the meeting.
READ: BGMEA for promoting RMG industry globally
They discussed possible areas of collaboration between BGMEA and Amfori to enable the RMG industry of Bangladesh to pursue more excellence in social and environmental sustainability.
The discussions covered a range of issues related to the textile and apparel industry, its challenges and opportunities.
They highlighted the success stories of the industry, especially its world-class standards in workplace safety and transparency.
The BGMEA leaders requested the Amfori’s support in its working with the European Commission with regard to the Everything But Arms facility for Bangladesh.
READ: Repair roads in industrial areas, reduce traffic jam, BGMEA urges RHD
They also urged Amfori to promote Bangladesh as a safe and sustainable apparel-sourcing destination among its members.
BGMEA for promoting RMG industry globally
Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Sunday said Bangladesh’s RMG industry has made tremendous progress especially in the past decade, earning more trust and confidence of brands and buyers.
He said this when President and Group Managing Director of CEMS Global, Meherun N. Islam, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Gulshan.
Read:Repair roads in industrial areas, reduce traffic jam, BGMEA urges RHD
“Today our clothing factories are not only safer, but also have become more dynamic, modern, energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Bangladesh has by far the highest number of green garment factories in the world," he said.
The BGMEA chief said buyers and international stakeholders should be given opportunity to have first-hand experience of the excellence Bangladesh has achieved in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability, ethical manufacturing.
They had discussions about how BGMEA and CEMS Global could collaborate to promote the apparel industry of Bangladesh at home and abroad, especially by organizing international exhibitions.
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The international stakeholders also should be given opportunity witness the industry’s developments in terms of product diversification, skills development, technological upgrade, innovations in product development and process optimization, said the BGMEA chief.
Highlighting the need for organizing international expositions on Bangladesh’s garment industry, Faruque said when international stakeholders including buyers will come to Bangladesh and see the garment industry, their perception of what they heard or learnt earlier from others will change.
Repair roads in industrial areas, reduce traffic jam, BGMEA urges RHD
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has reiterated the call for carrying out necessary maintenance works on roads in major industrial areas including Dhaka, Gazipur, Narayanganj and Chattogram to ease traffic congestion and alleviate sufferings of commuters.
A delegation of the BGMEA headed by its President Faruque Hassan met Chief Engineer of the Roads and Highways Department (RHD) AKM Manir Hossain Pathan at the latter’s office in the city on Saturday and apprised him of the problems and sought immediate steps to address them.
BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, former First Vice Presidents SM Abu Tayeb and Nasir Uddin Chowdhury and Chairman of Bangladesh EPZ Investors’ Association Shahadat Musharraf Khan were also present at the meeting.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said vehicles carrying export-oriented goods often remain stuck in traffic jams for long hours mainly for the dilapidated roads that connect major industrial zones, including Gazipur, Chattogram, Narayganj, Savar, Ashulia and Mawna.
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Besides, commuters including employees, workers and workers of industries have to go through immense sufferings every day while travelling on the damaged and bumpy roads and lose their valuable working hours, Faruque Hassan said.
Traffic jam is eating up valuable portion of the lead time specified by buyers for shipment of exportable goods.
“While Bangladesh is gearing up for more growth in the industrial sector including RMG industry, it is of utmost important to ensure smooth and faster transportation of export-import of goods and raw materials," said the BGMEA chief.
“Once the mega projects taken by the government are completed, it would significantly improve transport connectivity in the country and accelerate trade by reducing cost of transportation and logistics. However, it is also necessary to carry out renovation of all the existing roads to ensure smooth traffic flow,” he added.
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The RHD Chief Engineer assured the BGMEA delegation of necessary steps to repair the roads in the major industrial areas.
Pre- budget discussion: BGMEA seeks existing tax facility for 5 more years
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has proposed retaining the existing source tax and corporate tax facility in the export- oriented garment industry for another 5 years.
The garment manufacturers have also sought 10 percent income tax exemption on cash assistance to increase the capacity of entrepreneurs.
BGMEA president Faruque Hassan put the proposal to the National Board of Revenue (NBR) in the pre-budget discussion for the fiscal year 2022-23 held at the conference hall of NBR building in Segunbagicha on Thursday.
NBR Chairman Abu Hena Md. Rahmatul Muneem presided over the discussion. Besides, NBR Member (Customs Policy) Masud Sadiq, Member (VAT Policy) Zakia Sultana and Member (Income Tax Policy) Sams Uddin Ahmed also spoke on the occasion.
Faruque Hassan said, "We have tackled the challenges of Covid-19 better than many other countries and now we are reaping its positive results. Our exports have increased and exports rose to USD $ 5 billion a month.”
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“There is an opportunity to continue such an upward trend in exports. In such a situation, I am requesting to maintain the existing 0.50 per cent source tax, 12 percent corporate tax for general factories and 10 percent for green factories for another five years.” BGMEA president said.
In response, the NBR chairman said the government has a good empathy for the garment industry.
“I think your quantity of orders has increased recently with the opportunity that the government provided to the garment industries to meet the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic. The NBR is examining the matter,” he added.
The NBR Chairman said efforts will be made to facilitate the import of yarn or cotton in the country for the expansion of the garment industry.