The year 2014 was a time of retrospection for the industry followed by consolidation, and 2015 marks the beginning of a journey to conquer the ambitious target of US $ 50 billion exports by 2021, an apt target to commemorate the 50 years of Independence.
Can we as an enterprising nation do it… I have a strong feeling that we can!
And when I go through the pages of Apparel Online for 2014, I see enough commitment from the industry, the Government and even the buyers to reach or even better the target… The proactive industry is a willing partner to change and adapt, as one can see how fast the industry adopted to become compliant and moved on without a break to continue serving the world retailers and brands…
Apparel Online brought to you the views of Rob Ways, ED, Accord and Rabin Misbah, MD, Alliance in one dynamic article… What is most interesting is not the fact that both are impressed with the way the industry is coming forward to cooperate, but the fact that finally it is out in the open that in reality less than 2% of the factories in Bangladesh actually pose a real threat to worker safety… I am sure besides bringing cheer to the industry it will also make buyers more comfortable to work with Bangladesh and even increase their stakes.
Apparel Online also took on the Minister of Textile & Jute, Md. Emaz Uddin Pramanik, in a one-o-one interview, and to the delight of all, he emphatically declared support to the industry highlighting that the Government was not only looking at incentives but was keen to work on issues that could facilitate business including backward integration to strengthen the foundations of the garment industry.
Through our pages, we also put the spotlight on the core growth products of Bangladesh – denim, sweaters and knits – all central to the growth strategy of the country. There is much more that is expected from these categories and I am sure the existing and new players will contribute significantly to achieve the target set by the Government.
What has also been highlighted in the pages of Apparel Online is the subtle, but strong shift towards newer categories like lingerie and winter jackets… both highly technical products that require technology intervention and trained manpower which is yet not perceived as Bangladesh’s strength… But mark my word, the players who are entering these segments are not only committed, but are pumping in investments to ensure that nothing goes wrong.
The signs are all there to meet the target and we promise to continue in our quest to bring some newer perspectives in every issue for the industry…
The October issue had a very current take on the challenges and probable solutions for setting up of a successful and safe multistoried factory. After the Rana Plaza incident, the industry is not only listening but receptive to building norms and suggestions from experts… that is exactly what we aimed at and the positive feedback suggests that we hit the bull’s eye.
How can I forget the fun-filled but very purposeful issue, featuring 13 young Turks of the industry who not only have taken it upon themselves to grow their companies but are very positive and enthusiastic of the opportunities that are present in the current global scenario… can Bangladesh falter with such a determined lot at the helm…
In our next issue of Apparel Online, we will carry a re-cap of all these interesting articles and many more.
Wishing all my Readers a Happy, Safe and Bountiful New Year!
