Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers have sought direct exporter recognition from the government. The organization said that despite directly exporting products worth about one and a half billion dollars, the government is considering the industry as a subsidiary sector.
BGAPMEA President Md. Shahriar made this demand at the closing ceremony of two four-day exhibitions at the mezzanine floor of Hall 4 of the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) in the capital on Saturday (January 11, 2025).
Organized in the presence of Brigadier General (Retd) Dr. M. Sakhawat Hossain, Advisor to the Ministry of Labor and Employment, the organization’s president said, “We are earning about 8.5 billion dollars by exporting accessories and packaging products used in various products including ready-made garments, medicines. However, the government still considers us as a subsidiary sector. If we get direct exporter recognition and policy support, we will be able to achieve a better position in the global market.”
He further said, “This sector has employed about 8 lakh people without any kind of labor dissatisfaction. Despite this, we have not received direct exporter recognition.”
In response, Export Promotion Bureau Vice Chairman Md. Anwar Hossain said that if we get correct information, necessary assistance will be provided to recognize this sector and solve the problems.
Former president of the organization, Matiur Rahman, said, “In the past, the problems were not resolved by going to the government office at various times. Including us in various policy-making meetings will create a business-friendly environment.”
In addition, Southeast Bank Chairman and former president of FBCCI, MA Kashem, also spoke at the event.
The 22nd edition of the Garment Technology Exhibition Bangladesh (GTB 25) and the 14th edition of Gap Expo 2024 were organized to showcase the latest equipment or garment accessories and packaging products used in the ready-made garment industry.
Jointly organized by Bangladesh Garment Accessories Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA) and ASK Trade Show and Exhibition Private Limited, the two exhibitions were attended by 500 companies from 25 countries in 8 halls of ICCB. The exhibition showcased garment products, packaging materials, yarns, buttons and textile machineries.
