According the president of the Bangladesh Garments Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) Abdul Kader Khan feels, the sector will act as catalyst for the $50 billion RMG export target achievement. Given adequate government support, RMG accessories can contribute over 25 per cent in achieving the RMG export target by 2021.

Khan says Bangladesh can meet about 100 per cent of local demand as manufacturers have full-fledged production capacity but due to buyers’ recommendations, RMG manufacturers have to source from abroad. To be self-dependent, more investment in modern technology and creating more skill manpower is needed, he added.

Asked if Bangladesh has enough skilled manpower, Khan averred that skilled manpower is a key to producing best quality products. But the country doesn’t have enough skilled workforce by trying hard to establish a training institute to train workers. If the government provides land and financial support to establish a training institution, it will help Bangladesh to meet 100 per cent local demands.

Further, answering a query as to how can accessories help earn $50 billion target by 2021 Khan observed that the RMG sector people had set an export target of $50 billion by 2021. It is possible, but not only by the RMG manufacturers, but also by other stakeholders like accessories. If the government provides all-out support to the sub sector, the sector will be able to contribute 25 per cent out of $50 billion RMG export target by 2021.

Later, answering a question as to what is needed to produce international standard products in high-end product segment, Khan maintained that fashion trends and designs are changing every day across the globe, while the innovation is taking place in technology. To cope with the change, investment in new technology is a must. Here, the government must come up with a tax waiver on the import of machinery and low cost funds.