BGMEA
Apparel shipments rose by 16% to $23bn during July-December: BGMEA
Bangladesh's apparel exports reached $22.97 billion, growing 15.56 percent year-on-year, during July-December, the first six months of 2022-23 fiscal, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said Monday citing the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) data.
Knitwear accounted for $12.66 billion and woven garments accounted for $10.33 billion of the shipment, with a 13.42 percent and 18.29 percent growth year-on-year, respectively.
"The Apparel industry fared well in December. With a 15.35 percent growth, December 2022 fetched $4.67 billion from readymade garments (RMG) exports, the highest in a single month ever recorded," BGMEA Director Md Mohiuddin Rubel said.
Read: BGMEA delegation meets US State Department official to discuss RMG issues
"If we consider the data of the calendar year, Bangladesh marked a new milestone in RMG export in 2022 amid geopolitical tension, global economic turmoil, and natural disasters. As per the analysis of the BGMEA, Bangladesh's RMG export reached $45.70 billion in 2022 with 27.64 percent growth compared to 2021."
"The export earnings from knitwear was $24.71 billion while the earnings from woven was $20.99 billion, with both registering 26.11 percent and 29.48 percent year-on-year growth, respectively in 2022."
Bangladesh exported goods worth $27.22 billion in the first six months of FY23, according to EPB.
Read More: Bangladesh earned $27.22b from exports in July-Dec amid new records
Bangladesh earned $27.22b from exports in July-Dec amid new records
Bangladesh exported goods worth $27.22 billion in the first six months till December of the current fiscal year 2022-23 amid a growing crisis of foreign exchange, according to an official report.
The country received $10.37 billion from exports only in the last two months (November and December), which is the highest ever export earnings in two months.
According to the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), Bangladesh exported goods worth $5.37 billion in December, which is also the highest single-month export earnings.
Read More: Bangladesh's ASM Packall Export to invest $4.8m in Mongla EPZ
In November 2022, the export earnings crossed $5 billion for the first time. In December, the export earnings made another record.
The export earnings in December 2021 were $4.9 billion. The export grew by 9.33 percent year-on-year in December this year.
The readymade garment contributed the highest in the export earnings as usual.
Read More: July-November: Bangladesh’s exports to major countries show "encouraging growth"
The export earnings from the ready-made garments increased by 15.35% year-on-year in December from $4.04 billion in December 2021 to $4.67 billion in December this year.
Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), said the apparel sector has seen good growth in December due to a unit price hike.
The contribution of the apparel sector soared due to good prices and the increase in the ratio of high-end products in recent times, he said.
Read More: Export of jute products a boon for Satkhira women
He also said that Bangladesh witnessed a rush of orders after the post-Covid-19 pandemic period due to the increased credibility of the country keeping factories operational during the pandemic.
He said now garment makers are exporting jackets at prices above $40 per piece, against previous $30.
The export earnings were $3.91 billion and $4.36 billion in September and October this year. The export was registering a 14.70 percent rise to bag $3.98 billion year-on-year in July, thanks to the good performance of the apparel sector.
Read More: Bangladesh seeks zero tariff on apparel exports to US at 6th TICFA meeting
Bangladesh bagged $4.60 billion through exports in August, registering a 36.18 percent year-on-year growth while it slipped by 6.25 percent (Y-o-Y) to $3.91 billion in September as the flow of orders for garments slowed amid higher inflation and the Russia-Ukraine war.
2022 was a year of turning around: BGMEA
The just-concluded 2022 was a year of turning around and rebuilding the economy, the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said Saturday (December 31, 2022) as revellers in major city centres across the world ushered in the first new year without Covid-19 restrictions, since the pandemic began in 2020, with countdowns and fireworks.
"Despite all the challenges created by the century's biggest disaster, Covid-19, we proved our resilience and turned around," BGMEA Director Md Mohiuddin Rubel said.
"We are in a new challenge – the advanced economies are heading towards recession while our economy has not fully recovered from the pandemic crisis yet. Due to the current geopolitical crisis, the prices of commodities, including fuel and food, are rising while the global inflation rate hit a record 8.8 percent in 2022 which was 4.7 percent in 2021."
So, the demand for products and purchasing power in the international market is shrinking. All these are affecting the retail sales market as well as disrupting the global supply chain.
Read more: Bangladesh RMG industry emphasizes technologies to enhance competitiveness, transparency: BGMEA chief
"However, in the 2021-22 fiscal, our apparel export stood at $42.61 billion. It was a landmark in the history of readymade garments (RMG) manufacturing as we exceeded the $40 billion mark in 40 years of journey," Rubel said.
"Apart from the major markets – the European Union (EU) and US – our export share in non-traditional markets doubled – from 6.87 percent in FY09 to 14.96 percent in FY22. Among the major non-traditional markets, growth in Japan, India and South Korea was significant."
According to the "World Trade Statistical Review" published by the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2021, Bangladesh ranked as the second largest apparel exporter in the world with a 6.37 percent share of the global market.
"Bangladesh has already become the top denim-sourcing country for the US and EU. Now we are in close competition with the largest apparel exporter, China," Rubel said. "2022 will also remain a distinct year for us as we have exceeded $50 billion in exports."
Read More: July-November: Bangladesh’s exports to major countries show "encouraging growth"
"In 2022, we realigned our vision with ESG priorities and the Sustainable Development Goal 2030. We have the highest number of LEED green RMG factories certified by USGBC. Currently, the number of LEED Green factories is 183, of which 60 are platinum," the BGMEA director said.
One of the biggest successes in 2022 was "Made in Bangladesh Week," he added.
"Going forward, not only in 2023 but also in the next decade, we have to maintain and continue all of these transformations. Achieving excellence in products, fibre, and market diversification and value addition are the key opportunities for this sector," Rubel said.
"Also, we need to develop our capacity in the backward and forward linkage industries. At the same time, we need to focus on innovation, technological upgradation, design and skill development and overall business capabilities."
Read more: BGMEA delegation meets US State Department official to discuss RMG issues
Bangladesh now has 180 green garment factories
Bangladesh has strengthened its position as the global leader in green apparel factories, as the country now has 180 such factories with the United States Green Building Council’s (USGBC) LEED certification (certificate for green factories).
Two more Bangladeshi garment factories have achieved green building certification from the USGBC in the gold category in December, according to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The green certified factories are Dresden Textiles Ltd of Mymensingh with point 68 out of 110 and Victoria Intimates Ltd of Dhaka with 62 points.
Read more: Two new RMG factories under BGMEA now green certified
Bangladesh has achieved 27 green building certification in 2022, including 13 in platinum category which is the highest in a year, so far.
Of the total 180 green-certified factories, 58 are platinum-rated, 108 gold-rated, 10 silver-rated and four are only certified.
Besides, some 550 are also in the pipeline to get the USGBC’s LEED certification.
Read more: Bangladesh now has 176 green garment factories – highest in the world
USGBC honours factories based on several criteria – transformation performance, energy, water, and waste management. The best performers are rated with platinum, followed by gold and silver.
July-November: Bangladesh’s exports to major countries show "encouraging growth"
Bangladesh’s exports to major countries have shown "encouraging growth" during July-November of FY2022-23, says a BGMEA director.
During the mentioned period, our apparel export to the European Union increased by 16.27%, from US$ 7.81 billion to US$ 9.07 billion in July-Nov 2022-23, according to Md. Mohiuddin Rubel, director of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
Quoting the statistics of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), he said Germany is the largest European market fetching US$ 2.71 billion with 1.88% growth compared to the same period of the previous year.
Read more: Bangladesh seeks zero tariff on apparel exports to US at 6th TICFA meeting
Exports to Spain and France also increased by 19.15% and 38.87% respectively.
Exports to other major EU countries such as Italy, Austria, Netherlands and Sweden have shown growth by 50.95%, 48.87%, 34.39% and 22.90% respectively.
On the other hand, he said, export to Poland has shown 19.61% year-over-year negative growth during the mentioned period.
The RMG export to the USA during the mentioned period was US$ 3.47 billion, registering 4.07% Y-O-Y growth.
“Besides, our exports to the U.K. and Canada have grown by 11.71% and 30.25% respectively compared to the same time of the previous fiscal year,” Rubel said.
Read more: Bangladesh’s exports crossed $5 billion in November raising hope of easing forex crisis, say official figures
At the same time, exports to non-traditional markets increased to US$ 3.19 billion from US$ 2.47 billion in the same period of time.
Among the major non-traditional markets, our export to Japan reached 597.83 million dollars with 38.11% Y-O-Y growth during July-Nov of FY2022-23.
The other non-traditional markets having high growth were Malaysia 100.21%, Mexico 49.68%, India 48.78%, Brazil 44.53%, and South Korea 30.35%.
BGMEA for effective industry-academia partnership for tackling future challenges
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has stressed the need for effective collaboration between universities and industries for developing mid and high-level managers equipped with the knowledge and skills required to meet the market and industry demand.
The industry needs more qualified and competent workers and professionals to meet the future challenges of the readymade garments (RMG) industry, especially in the context of fast fashion and disruptive technologies, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Saturday.
He was speaking at a consultation workshop on postgraduate diploma in garment business (PGD-GB) programme organised by SEIP and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) of the University of Dhaka.
The apparel industry will need more skilled workers and professionals to cope with changing trends in the global apparel industry, especially brought about by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), the BGMEA president said.
He also called upon the government to continue its support to the RMG industry in addressing the skilled workforce issue to remain competitive in the coming years, especially in the post-LDC era.
Read more: BGMEA urges global brands, buyers to adopt strategies for promoting mutual growth
Fatima Yasmin, senior secretary, finance division, and national project director, SEIP, attended the workshop as chief guest. Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Dhaka Professor ASM Maksud Kamal was also present.
IBA Director Professor Mohammad A Momen chaired the programme. Fatema Rahim Veena, additional secretary, and EPD, SEIP, and Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, vice-president, Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association, were also present.
Read more: BGMEA, Oerlikon discuss collaboration on capacity building in manmade fibre, recycling
BGMEA, Oerlikon discuss collaboration on capacity building in manmade fibre, recycling
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Oerlikon have discussed collaboration in supporting garment factories to build up their capacity in manufacturing high-end products made of manmade fibre.
Oerlikon is a leading high-tech industrial group specialising in textile and recycling machinery and technologies, and a supplier of manmade fibre filament in the world.
Read more: BGMEA wants faster, simplified services from custom houses
BGMEA and Oerlikon also talked about the market potential of using polyester, nylon and polypropylene yarns in producing value-added apparel in Bangladesh.
The meeting focused on collaboration to enhance the capacity of recycling textile waste in Bangladesh to make the country a global hub of recycling too.
Markus Reichwein, technology head of product management at Oerlikon Barmag, and Sudipto Mandol, manager (sales and marketing) at Oerlikon Textile India, called on BGMEA President Faruque Hassan in Dhaka Saturday.R
Read more: BGMEA, Recover discuss collaboration to turn Bangladesh into global recycling hub
Faruque said: "Bangladesh has aimed to pursue a higher growth vision through diversifying textile material from cotton to non-cotton as the demand for those goods were growing all over the world due to their durability, sustainability and functionality."
"Also, Bangladeshi garments factories are increasingly investing in scaling up their capabilities in manufacturing high-end apparel and capturing and reusing textile waste."
BGMEA directors Arshad Jamal, Asif Ashraf, Tanvir Ahmed, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Mijanur Rahman, and Neela Hosna Ara were also present at the meeting.
BGMEA's Made in Bangladesh Photography Award winners receive prize money
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has presented the winners of the first Made in Bangladesh Photography Award with prize money to inspire them to let the world see beautiful Bangladesh through their lenses.
Earlier, the BGMEA honoured the six photographers with the award during the Made in Bangladesh Week held in November 2022 for capturing the captivating beauty of Bangladesh through their creative eyes and lenses.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan handed over the prize money to the winners – Sultan Ahmed Niloy, Salahuddin Ahmed, and Md Asker Ibne Firoz and runner-ups – SM Yousuf Sharif, Sajib Karmakar and Muhammad Amdad Hossain.
Read: BGMEA keen to support slum children through Music for Development Project
The Made in Bangladesh Photography Award was initiated by the BGMEA to present the lavish beauty of Bangladesh to the local and global audience through photography and recognise the contribution of photographers in branding Bangladesh.
A jury board of renowned photographers selected the winners based on their photos in three categories – culture and heritage, industry and the economy, and people and landscape.
Speaking at the ceremony Thursday in Dhaka, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, "Bangladesh is blessed with immense natural beauty having a rich history, culture and heritage. Moreover, our country has a lot of encouraging stories to tell the world. What we need is to present the beauty and potential of Bangladesh to the global audience and we all have to play our role in promoting Bangladesh."
Read: BGMEA urges global brands, buyers to adopt strategies for promoting mutual growth
BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Senior Vice President SM Mannan (Kochi); vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim, Md Nasir Uddin, Miran Ali and directors were also present.
BGMEA keen to support slum children through Music for Development Project
Eminent Rabindra Sangeet exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya has sought the support of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in nurturing the slum children with education and life-changing competencies and skills.
Rezwana, also principal and chairman of Shurer Dhara and team leader of the Music for Development (MfD), paid a courtesy visit to BGMEA President Faruque Hassan in the capital Sunday.
During the meeting, Rezwana informed Faruque about the objectives and activities of MfD, a project of Shurer Dhara, to change the lives of children growing up in Dhaka slums.
Read More: BGMEA urges global brands, buyers to adopt strategies for promoting mutual growth
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan expressed the interest of the trade association in supporting slum children under the Music for Development Project.
This project aims at providing a cultural platform to underprivileged children by bringing them under the umbrella of Shurer Dhara.
Faruque highlighted the initiatives and activities of the BGMEA in supporting the backward sections of society, especially in creating opportunities for higher education for female garment workers.
He said the BGMEA in collaboration with Asian University for Women (AUW) has created higher education opportunities for girls working in garment factories. "Currently, more than 90 young female workers have enrolled in the Asian University for Women to pursue higher studies."
Read More: Bangladesh's apparel shipment to US rises 51% during January-September
Also, the trade association runs five schools in Dhaka, Gazipur and Chittagong for workers' children and provides free books, study materials and stipends to meritorious students.
BGMEA urges global brands, buyers to adopt strategies for promoting mutual growth
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged global brands and buyers to adopt strategies that promote the growth of both sides, including manufacturers while marching towards achieving the net zero goal.
"I would like to call upon the brands to adopt inclusive strategies that also take the SMEs into the equation to ensure sustainable growth of the entire RMG industry in Bangladesh," BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said.
He was speaking at the policy dialogue "Sweden-Bangladesh Partnership in Renewable Energy within the RMG-sector" at a Dhaka hotel Wednesday (December 07, 2022).
Read More: Bangladesh now has 180 green garment factories
Faruque said: "For a country like Bangladesh, the challenges of climate change are double-fold. As a climate-vulnerable country, we have to invest in climate adaptation. At the same time, we have to keep ourselves competitive. We have to invest in climate mitigation to reduce carbon emission and transition to renewable sources."
"SMEs represent the majority of the BGMEA member factories. Given the ambitious goals made by brands towards sustainability, it is difficult for them to invest in climate action. With that in mind, it is imperative to adopt business modules that not only help big factories in Bangladesh but also the entire industry so that no one gets left behind."
The Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh together with the Swedish brands H&M, IKEA, and Lindex along with the Nordic Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NCCI) and the Sweden-Bangladesh Business Council have set up an initiative "Sustainable Fashion Platform" to combine and coordinate the efforts on sustainability within the RMG sector in Bangladesh under one umbrella.
Read more: BGMEA, Recover discuss collaboration to turn Bangladesh into global recycling hub
The discussion was organised as a part of the initiative which aims to strengthen Bangladesh's global competitiveness and at the same time build a sustainable partnership.
Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury, adviser to the prime minister for power, energy and mineral resources affairs, attended the event as chief guest.
Charles Whiteley, ambassador and head of delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh; Mehdi Hasan, ambassador of Bangladesh to Sweden; Alexandra Berg von Linde, ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh; Pawan Kumar Tehlani, lead – sustainability and climate change, Business Sweden, Swedish Trade and Invest Council; Tahrin Aman, president of NCCI; and Stefan Liller, UNDP resident representative, Munira Sultana, chairperson, Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority (SREDA); and Md Habibur Rahman, secretary, Power Division, Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, also spoke at the dialogue.
BGMEA directors Asif Ashraf and Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan were also present.
Read more: BGMEA delegation meets US State Department official to discuss RMG issues