In order to discuss the challenges faced by garment and textile workers in the country, Myanmar Garment Manufacturer Association (MGMA) recently held panel discussion and seminar, co-organized by Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI). The theme of the seminar was ‘Achieving Success Through Challenges’.
Continuous strikes over wages, little or no education, poverty, (alleged) child labour issues and several other reasons have not stopped Myanmar garment and textile workers to grow and make the country a strong competitor in garment export industry. Even the panellists, invited by the MGMA and UMFCCI for the seminar, have faced all these hardships before achieving success.
It may be noted here that the garment and textile industry is a major contributor in the country’s economy and this industry is an increasingly popular ‘trade of choice’ for many low income families, especially those from rural areas. There are over 400 apparel manufacturing units in Myanmar, employing over 300,000 people including a large number of uneducated women.
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In terms of empowering women workers in the industry, Zaw Aye Maung, Rakhine Affairs Minister said that every member of the industry is also contributing to the cause of women’s rights and gender equality in Myanmar. Just as the MGMA, which represents a big community of both domestic and foreign businesses, is contributing to elevating the status of women, the Government of the country also sees females taking more and more important positions and achieve total gender quality in the industry.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
