Participants at a recent ‘buyers and sellers’ in Dhaka stressed on production of value-added readymade garment (RMG) products to woo further buyers with good price and sustainable business. The meeting of retailers and manufactures was hosted by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers' and Exporters' Association (BGMEA).
Faruque Hassan, Senior VP BGMEA said export earnings from garment products are the lowest in last 15 years and there is no choice other than going for value-added products and adopting modern technologies for sustainable business. Some 28 local apparel makers-a pioneer group of companies offering items belonging to high-fashion segment in the EU market - displayed their range of products. They were also part of the CBI export coaching programme.
The CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports) is an initiative of the Dutch Foreign Ministry for improving import from developing countries. The apparel companies received training from the CBI on merchandising, design and sample development and the fashion trend, says the BGMEA leader, adding, the Dutch organisation is assisting the makers in networking with new EU-based buyers who don't source from Bangladesh The companies are part of a select group that have passed the selection committee and will exhibit in Paris at a three-day Premiere Vision on September 19 next.
Terming the EU market stable after polls in some member countries, Dhyana Van Der Pols, Programme Manager, CBI said Bangladesh needs to grow in value-added fashion products manufacturing to increase orders from buyers.
