Leading figures from Bangladesh's RMG and textile industry gathered at a forum on March 3 to address critical challenges facing the sector.

The event, titled "Present Business Challenges & Possible Solutions," brought together over 40 textile engineer-entrepreneurs who collectively manage companies responsible for over $3 billion in annual exports, according to a press release.

Organized by the Institute of Textile Engineers & Technicians (ITET) and facilitated by Textile Today Innovation Hub, the forum aimed to foster collaboration and brainstorm solutions to the industry's top five challenges, it said

These challenges were identified as:

Skills gap and trust issues between employees and employers.

Rising operational costs coupled with declining selling prices.

Unreliable utilities and high energy costs.

Challenges from government agencies, including customs, VAT, and fire safety regulations.

Difficulties with non-government agencies, such as trade unions, banks, and vendors.

Through facilitated breakout sessions, attendees actively participated in generating potential solutions and sharing their expertise. Industry leaders, including Prof. Dr. Shah Alimuzzaman, Vice Chancellor of BUTEX, and Engr. Md. Shamsuzzaman, Managing Director of Micro Fibre Group, provided valuable insights on the discussed issues.

The forum served as a valuable platform for textile engineers and entrepreneurs to come together, share experiences, and work collaboratively towards addressing the industry's pressing issues. This collaborative approach holds the potential to drive positive change and ensure the continued success of Bangladesh's RMG and textile.