Apparel Online Bangladesh Magazine October Issue 2018 | Page 33

BANGLADESH CANVAS BGMEA awarded ‘Superbrand' of Bangladesh Responsible for spearheading the growth of Bangladesh apparel industry and taking it up to the standard of being the second largest garment supplier to the world, the country’s apparel manufacturers and exporters’ body, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters’ Association (BGMEA), has been recognised as a ‘Superbrand’. Md Siddiqur Rahman, BGMEA President received the award at a recent gala programme arranged by Superbrands, a global media communications and publishing business. Along with BGMEA, 28 other brands from diverse industries were also lauded and heralded as ‘Superbrands’ for 2018-2020. The program me was held at Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka. Distinguished dignitaries and businesspersons also marked the event. The batch of ‘Superbrands’ was selected by the brand council consisting of 12 eminent brand experts. Incepted in 1983, BGMEA takes care of an industry that stands as the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy with a net worth over US $ 30 billion. Currently, the apparel exports occupy generally around 83 per cent of Bangladesh’s total export basket. BGMEA started with only 12 members and presently has around 4,300 member factories (several were shut in recent times). Around 40% of BGMEA member factories are knitwear and sweater manufactures, and the rest 60% are woven garment manufacturers. BGMEA says it is dedicated to promote and facilitate the apparel industry through policy advocacy to the Government, services to members, ensuring workers’ rights and social compliance at factories. Apparel makers optimistic after big response in Canada fair Bangladesh’s apparel manufacturers are hoping an increase in export volume to Canada after successfully participating in ‘Apparel Textile Sourcing Canada (ATSC)’. The three-day mega exposition held in Toronto, Canada, was attended by 17 garment manufacturers and exporters of Bangladesh, organised by Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), took Bangladesh closer to buyers, according to fair participants. Ministry of Commerce and High Commission of Bangladesh in Canada governed the participation. Mizanur Rahman, High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Canada; Masuk Shikder, Deputy Secretary of Commerce Ministry, Bangladesh; Shakil Mahmud, Commercial Councilor; Anup Kumar Saha, Director, EPB; and a large number of industry stakeholders attended the event and took part in discussions that took place on the sidelines. among the big shots who were in the event. The exhibition brought together over 500 manufacturers from 30 countries, including a big number of North American buyers. American Eagle, GAP, Walmart, Hagar Canada, FDJ Canada, Tesco and many others were Desh Garments Ltd., Lusine Fashion Ltd., DK Group of Industries, Needle Fashion Bangladesh Ltd., Meek Sweater Ltd., RP Fashion Ltd., SATCO Bangladesh, Sahab Fashion Ltd. and Habah Fashion Ltd. were among the participants. Apparel and textile entrepreneurs also participated in various seminars and discussions. “Bangladesh participated in the exhibition with a vision of building relationships between buyers and suppliers through exchanging views among them as well as sharing the ideas and technology of new fashion and innovation,” an EPB official reportedly said. According to fair participants, Bangladesh is hoping to increase apparel exports to Canada following the event. Currently, Bangladesh is hoping to boost trade with Canada and take the engagement to beyond US $ 3 billion mark in the next three years. In 2017, Bangladesh exported goods worth US $ 1.1 billion to Canada – more than 95 per cent of which was readymade garment items. www.apparelresources.com | October 2018 | Apparel Online Bangladesh 33