Apparel manufacturers are expecting more response from Batexpo 2013 than the previous occasions despite having back to back two disasters as they are working hard to improve safety conditions of the country’s readymade garments industry with the global buyers.
“We are expecting better feedback from the buyers this year,” said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exports Association (BGEMA) President Atiqul Islam told a press conference in Dhaka on Sunday, marking the 24th Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition begins Thursday.
He said a total of 55 buyers, including 23 newcomers, have already confirmed their participation at the three-day annual event to be held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.
In BATEXPO-2012, around 159 apparel buyers and 2,846 representatives from foreign and local buyers visited the show, placing spot orders worth about US$62m.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to inaugurate the fair as the chief guest while opposition leader Khaleda Zia is expected to grace the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
“We would like give a message through the fair that Bangladesh is working together for the betterment and development of the RMG sector as the government and BGMEA are working with the buyers and International Labour Organisation (ILO) to improve the fire and building safety conditions,” Atiq said.
BGMEA expressed grave concern over the slower export growth in last couple of months and the orders being diverted to the competitors including India, China and Vietnam.
The BGMEA president said: “the shifting of orders is a great challenge for us.” The exports registered 22% growth in July, but came down to 5.5% only in August.
He said devaluation of Indian Rupees against dollar is also a big challenge for Bangladesh RMG sector as buyers are moving toward India due to low cost. India has witnessed 27.91% depreciation of Rupee, while Bangladeshi Taka saw a 9.41% appreciation. “It is a big advantage for India.”
Replying to a query, Atiq said BGMEA has decided to arrange the Batexpo a month earlier than usual time due to the upcoming election time. He said the foreign buyers are not willing to take part in the show during the election fearing violence.
“We have put emphasis on displaying ready stock apparels as a number of entrepreneurs requested for the arrangement of spot sale,” he said. There are huge stock lots as buyers canceled orders due to reasons, including economic slowdown, he added.
“If the buyers get out of here, it will be very difficult to get them back,” said the BGMEA president. “It’s time to work together.”
On the sidelines of the show, there will be three seminars Reinventing the RMG Sector: Emphasising Social Accountability and Security, Taking the RMG Sector Forward: the Role of Media in Sustainable Development, and Eco Friendly and Compliant Factory A pre-Condition for Future Business.
BGMEA Second Vice President SM Mannan (Kochi), former BGMEA President Abdus Salam Murshedy, former Vice President M Siddiqur Rahman, Chief Coordinator of the event Abu Mahmud Khan and vice President Shahidullah Azim and Reaz Bin Mahmood were present at the press conference.
