Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine February Issue 2019 | Page 54

BEYOND BD THE LATEST NEWS HAVE YOUR SAY For the latest news on apparel and textile, make sure that you visit https://apparelresources.com/top-news/ Write to Apparel Resources, B-32, South Extension-1, New Delhi (110049), India or email: [email protected] Toray Japan to build its first fibre plant in Vietnam Toray Industries, Inc. a renowned Japanese apparel and textile group, is all set to open its first fibre plant in Vietnam. This was announced by Mitsuo Ohya, Senior Vice President, Toray Industries, Inc., in Hanoi in a meeting with Tran Tuan Anh, Minister of Industry and Trade. Toray’s fibre plant will have all the advanced techniques, which will be the first-of-its-kind for any fibre plant in Vietnam. Mitsuo Ohya further added that the fibre plant, which will be built in Nam Dinh province, is expected to be made on an investment of US $ 184.4 million. The Minister said that Mitsuo Ohya’s visit was significant considering the increasing strategic business cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. “It is expected to enhance the capacity of raw materials for the garment and textile sector in accordance with CPTPP rules of origin,” said Tran Tuan Anh.   The Minister also said that the Ministry of Industry and Trade will accompany overseas companies and also Japanese business communities like Toray in its bid to convert Vietnam into a big destination for foreign trade. Mass termination of workers sends shock waves across Cambodian garment factories The sacking of nearly 1,200 garment workers following a mass strike has send shock waves across all garment firms in Cambodia. These workers were producing goods for renowned global brands like Marks & Spencer and H&M. Recently, several garment workers went on strike in Phnom Penh and nearby areas after they feared that factory bosses were devising plans to evade a Government order to pay and backpay bonuses based on length of employment. Besides, some workers said that the management of one of the factories even tried to replace their ID cards and forced them to sign new contracts so as to wipe out accrued benefits. After the strikes were found to be illegal by the court, the workers were instructed to get back to their work. Reportedly, about 1,200 workers who refused to call off the strike had their contracts torn up. This mass sacking has yet again generated fear among workers with regard to job security. “It instills fear among industry workers, especially those who have limited knowledge of the law,” substantiated Khun Tharo, Program Coordinator, The Center for Alliance of Labour and Human Rights. If workers are not properly educated about new rules, the Cambodia garment industry could be heading towards another major labour unrest. 54 Apparel Online Bangladesh | FEBRUARY 2019 | www.apparelresources.com