Inclusive business: Ladder for higher productivity, better working condition by Mehdi Mahbub

People with special abilities, generally known as persons with disabilities, who constitute 10 per cent of the total population, are very much part of our society. Unfortunately, this huge number of population mostly remain unemployed and are thought to be a burden of their family, society and country! Bangladesh Readymade Garment (RMG) industry is the highest employment provider which has employed around 4.5 million workers. This sector has the potential to absorb this unutilised “special people” and convert them [...]

The American market for Bangladesh garments by Forrest Cookson

The single largest market for “Made in Bangladesh” garments is the United States of America. In 2016, Bangladesh exported US$5.5 billion worth of garments to the US market slightly less than the $5.6 billion in 2015.  [These figures like all in this article are from the US records of imports and refer to calendar year.]  Bangladesh is the fourth largest supplier to the US following China, Vietnam and India. As for sourcing the main events that are going on [...]

Are enough actions being taken to ensure safe working conditions in RMG industry?- by Labiba Fairooz

The Readymade Garments (RMG) industry in Bangladesh has been under considerable scrutiny owing to a range of high-profile disasters over the last decade. Overview of RMG Industry in Bangladesh: The history of the Readymade Garments sector is a fairly recent one. The garment industry is the main source of foreign exchange for Bangladesh. It acts as the backbone of our economy and as a catalyst for the development of our country. We take pride in the sector that has been [...]

Bangladesh RMG industry needs innovation, but the risks must be managed by Bill Humphries

Bangladesh’s position in the RMG industry is based on its bountiful supply of cheap labour and the relatively simple technology needed to establish an RMG enterprise. Foreign investment has been important in the growth of the industry although local investment is playing its part.  There is now considerable discussion on the need to establish a backward linkage industry to ensure the future sustainability of the RMG industry as fast fashion trends increasingly require short lead times. Although the industry is [...]

Stakeholder mapping, engagement strategies crucial for RMG industry by Shaharbanu Ahmed

The readymade garment (RMG) industry is the leading sector in Bangladesh in terms of foreign exchange earnings. The sector witnessed on average 16 per cent year-on-year growth since 1990 up to fiscal 2015-16, according to Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh. Bangladesh holds the second position in global market share of RMG with a rate of 6.4 per cent. Vietnam holds the third position with a market share of 5.5 per cent, India has a market share of 4 per [...]

Labour rights better now: BGMEA chief

Labour rights situation in the country’s readymade garment sector has improved in recent years thanks to the mid-level managements and workers for reducing their gap, according to BGMEA president Siddiqur Rahman. “The gap reduced due to training and social dialogue launched through different initiatives,” he told the FE in an interview. There were laws of the land and rules of labour law, which were protecting the workers’ rights, he said, adding that the trainings and social dialogues were being provided by [...]

Ethiopia: A new competitor for Bangladesh RMG export?-by Zillul Hye Razi

During last few years, a lot of positive reports and studies were published showing Ethiopia becoming a major clothing or apparel source for the EU and US importers. In 2014, one Bangladeshi corporate body, the DBL Group, expressed interest to invest in Ethiopia. In 2016 it announced that with an investment of US dollar 100 million, a composite knit factory in Ethiopia will start functioning from February 2017. DBL is supported by Swedish RMG buyer H&M with a US$ [...]

A unique platform for the global textile value-chain by Christian Schindler

The International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) is one of the oldest non-governmental and non-profit international trade organisations. It was founded in 1904 and comprises members from the textile, textile machinery, and fibre industries. These members come from all five continents and represent the majority part of the world’s textile production. The ITMF has three different member categories: 1) Member Associations This category comprises national textile associations representing the countries’ textile industries. 2) Associate Members This category comprises associations from other industries affiliated with [...]