Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association will hold a three-day Dhaka Apparel Summit 2014 from December 7 to 9.
The association in partnership with Bangladesh Brand Forum will host the event at Bangabandhu International Conference Center to mark the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh’s independence.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the summit, according to a high official of BGMEA.
The programme aims at devising ways of facing challenges to reach $50 billion RMG export landmark by 2021.
BGMEA President Md Atiqul Islam made the announcement at a media briefing at his office yesterday.
He said the world market size of RMG products is now $450 billion, which will be $650 in 2021.
“At present, the country’s RMG market share is 5% and to reach the vision of 2021 to become a middle-income country, we have to grab 8% share in the global market,” said Atiqul. “We want to earn $50bn from exporting RMG product by 2021.”
Bangladesh earned $24.49 billion from RMG export in the fiscal year of 2013-14.
The BGMEA president said they would send a message from the summit to the outside world that the Rana Plaza does not depict the real picture of Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
Some recent challenges faced by the industry relating to workplace safety issues have raised global concerns. Discussions are going on to shape a more sustainable and responsible global supply chain, the organiser said.
The Dhaka Apparel Summit will be organised to open dialogue for a road map to building responsible supply chains for textiles and garment sector that contribute to a sustainable development and inclusive growth of the economy.
According to the BGMEA, brands, fashion designers, sourcing executives and experts from home and abroad are expected to join the summit to share their experiences and gather knowledge about Bangladesh’s apparel industry.
The summit will feature a number of interactive panel sessions to be participated by representatives of governments from home and partner countries, international organisations, employers, private sectors, workers’ representatives, civil society organisations, brand representatives, buyers and academics.
The discussion will bring benefits for the RMG producers by enriching their knowledge about latest apparel technologies and fashion. The summit will also help domestic apparel makers build a bridge with the global buyers as well as experts.
In the summit, there will be a safety expo titled “Bangladesh Building and Fire Safety Expo 2014” to be participated by globally recognised safety equipment producers. They will display products and demonstrate several drills to raise awareness among the RMG factory owners.
A session on “Environmental Sustainability” will also be held as sustainable economic development is interlinked with the eco-system.
It will also shed light on how to develop an eco-friendly RMG sector in the country.
The summit will focus market and products versification strategy and dynamics in global tariff structure, apart from discussing infrastructure issues, power, gas and electricity and transportation.