Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said the quality, price and design of readymade garments in Bangladesh are becoming popular all over the world, due to which the exports are increasing.
Tipu Munshi who is visiting the United States, also said that Bangladesh wants to increase exports of world-class garments to the US market.
He said Bangladesh is the third largest exporter of readymade garments in the world. 83.5 percent of Bangladesh's current export earnings come from garment exports.
The Commerce Minister was speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony of the "Men's Apparel Guild in California" trade fair held on Wednesday at the Las Vegas Convention Center in California, USA.
Minister mentioned that the present government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has taken all possible steps to increase exports and make ‘Made in Bangladesh’ popular with the world.
During the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the government has provided financial assistance to the garment sector under the incentive package and has taken all necessary steps to keep the sector stable.
About 45 lakh workers are working in the readymade garment sector of Bangladesh, most whom are women. Bangladesh's ready-made garment sector is making a significant contribution to women's employment. There is an opportunity to increase Bangladesh's garment exports to the US market, and there is a chance to take advantage of this opportunity. For this the businessmen of both the countries have to come forward.
The Commerce Minister said that Bangladesh has taken special initiatives to increase the export of readymade garments to the US market. Therefore, work is being done accordingly, considering the improved quality, new design, customer's choice etc. All kinds of data and necessary information will be provided according to the needs of traders in the United States.
After the unexpected Rana Plaza accident in 2012, Bangladesh's ready-made garment sector has undergone groundbreaking changes and sustainable development. Most of the green factories in the garment sector are now in Bangladesh. Workers in Bangladesh's ready-made garment sector are working in a safe and work-friendly environment.
The minister urged the US garment traders to visit Bangladesh and see the working environment of garment factories and workers. Bangladesh is currently running garment factories in a safe environment while maintaining world class standards.
At the event, US businessmen expressed keen interest in learning about the quality of work, production costs, workers' compliance, work environment and healthcare, and sustainable development in Bangladesh's ready-made garment sector.
They expressed interest in increasing trade and investment with Bangladesh. They are interested to know more about Bangladesh's readymade garments data and the history of readymade garments industry. They hoped for cooperation in marketing Bangladeshi readymade garments to the United States.
The Minister of Commerce was accompanied by the Consul General and Commercial Counselor of the Bangladesh Consulate General in Los Angeles, USA, Additional Secretary (Exports) of the Ministry of Commerce, Hafizur Rahman, Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Soheli Sabreen, FBCCI President Jasim Uddin, BGME Vice President Khandaker Rafiqul Islam, US businessman Bob Berg, Informa's Commercial Present Miss Kelly Helpman, Mela Event Director Andrew David, and businessman Dr. Sinde J. Lynn.
