Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has requested global apparel buyers to nominate more shipping liners and off-docks to help suppliers make timely shipments of export containers.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan made the request at a meeting with stakeholders – including the main-line operator (MLO) and buyers' representatives – Thursday to discuss container stockpiling and vessel shortage problem, which has been impacting apparel exports.

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Export containers loaded with RMG products are facing a delay of extra 10-15 days at Chattogram port due to buyers' choice of selective shipping lines and off-docks, Faruque Hassan said.

He requested apparel buyers, including H&M and M&S, to allow more shipping liners and off-docks, as it would reduce pressure on selective shipping lines in shipments of exported goods.

Read: BGMEA urges buyers not to penalise suppliers for lockdown-caused delays

BGMEA Vice-President Miran Ali; directors Asif Ashraf, Md Mohiuddin Rubel, Abdullah Hil Rakib, former director Ashikur Rahman Tuhin, Chairman of Standing Committee on Port and Shipping Hasan Abdullah, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association Director Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, H&M Regional Country Manager for Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman, Marks and Spencer Country Head Shwapna Bhowmick and Maersk Country Manager of Angshuman Mitra Mustafi attended the meeting held at BGMEA office in the capital.

Earlier, the BGMEA in a letter requested global apparel buyers through the Buyers' Forum, a group of the representatives of major apparel buyers, to nominate as many forwarders as possible to deliver shipments on time.