Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine May Issue 2019 | Page 18

LEAD STORY APPAREL RESOURCES NEWSLETTERS FACEBOOK FRIENDS To subscribe, send us an email at [email protected] Join more than 10,000 people who are already fans of Apparel Resources on facebook. Search for Apparel Resources at https://www.facebook.com/apparelresources/ Vietnam only competition for Bangladesh: Miran Ali In an exclusive interview, the new BGMEA Director speaks his mind on the present and future of the industry A s the elections for the BGMEA President and Directors got over recently, the new team is now readying itself to take on the mantle – amidst challenges and opportunities – to guide the RMG sector of Bangladesh to new heights. Miran Ali, a leading entrepreneur, Honorary Consul of the Slovak Republic in Bangladesh and MD of Bitopi Group is one amongst the Directors… He speaks to Apparel Online Bangladesh (AOB) in a no holds barred interview underlining the what's and why's of their scheme of things going forward, and how the new board of directors, plan to achieve the same. Here are the excerpts… AOB: The industry is undergoing a transformational phase. Various factors (wage hike, gas price increase, need of image building, etc.) have posed new challenges. What is the plan of new BGMEA team keeping future in perspective? Miran Ali: Yes you are right! Personally, I see a lot of changes happening in the next 6 months or so. The new BGMEA Board will take over responsibility on April 20; currently we are busy drafting the roadmap as to our actions, goals and deliverables, which include all relevant issues including those of branding, moving up the value chain, improving logistical issues, etc. Coming to the vital question of workers’ wage hike, I don’t think it’s an issue in itself. The issue is that of high cost of production, of which wage is just a part. There are several other factors involved in it like having huge WIPs to meet the uncertainties, banking complexities, high interest rates, etc. So going forward, we would first narrow down the focus areas and each Director would be tasked to look after one specific issue in totality. Call it the sub- continental mindset or anything “Rubana's leadership would help BGMEA to reach out to the stakeholders and those who matter in a much better and effective manner. She has what it takes to spread our message far and wide to help mould a positive image of brand Bangladesh.” – Miran Ali Miran Ali, Director, BGMEA 18 Apparel Online Bangladesh | MAY 2019 | www.apparelresources.com else, businessmen in countries like ours are more of person-centric than team players as most run their own businesses where they have absolute say. Hence, we felt it wise to divide the roles and responsibilities accordingly so that there’s no confusion and conflict and each one has total clarity as to what is expected of him or her. I am very hopeful of things changing for good at least in creating a positive perception of Bangladesh garment industry. Many brands that had left