Bangladesh’s apparel makers are confident about their capacity but complain of major logistical barriers to be standing in their way to be the ‘numero uno’ in apparel export business.
“With proper logistical support, we can overtake China as the No. 1 apparel exporter in the world,” Siddiqur Rahman, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA) said at a programme held in Dhaka on December 14, 2017.
Bangladesh currently enjoys around 6.36 per cent of the global apparel market share, serving as the second-largest garment exporter in the world market. Whereas, China dominates the export market with 37 per cent share.
“I believe, we have the capacity to overtake China. But for that, we need to eradicate the problems we are facing with our sea and airports,” said the BGMEA chief.
The underlining focus of the programme, held at Hotel Emirates in Dhaka’s Gulshan and arranged by Centre of Excellence for Bangladesh Garment Apparel Industries, revolved around the logistical problems of Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
“Currently, we are struggling to keep up with our ports. For the inefficiency, our product costing has gone up,” averred Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, President for Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FBCCI).
Adding to that, Mohiuddin, a former President of BGMEA said, “We don’t have the capacity to store 39,000 containers at our ports and this is just one of the problems that we are facing to take our apparel industry forward.”
Bangladesh is looking into ways to expand its nearly US $ 30 billion industry to US $ 50 billion within the next four years. However, the recent growth trend is putting that at a far stretch, compelling the country’s apparel manufacturers to roll up their sleeves to deliver the promise.
