In a seminar on “ Textile Sector: Problems and Prospects” hosted by Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre and organized jointly by Federation of Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry ( FBCCI) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association, speakers stressed the need of consistent efforts to protect country's textile sector.
Shahjahan Siraj, Minister of Textile and Jute was the chief guest, FBCCI President, Mir Nasir Hossain in the chair and Mir Shahabuddin Mohammad, Vice-Chairman of Export Promotion Bureau as the special guest.
Siraj said that post World Trade Organisation (WTO) regulations removing quotas and other facilities enjoyed by LDC, it is apprehended that the Readymade Garment (RMG) industry may loose out to countries like China, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand.
Despite fear of loosing out to above countries, the RMG and other textile products earned about US$8.1 billion in 2006 as against $5 billion in 2006.
Minister said that favourable policy by the government like zero import duty on imports of primary raw-material and capital machinery, tariff and taxes rationalization had helped RMG to face the competition.
He informed that Government was implementing the recommendations of Inter ministerial Task Force which looked into the problems facing Primary Textile Industry that included low productivity and quality, unavailability of skilled manpower and so on.
Nasir Hossain said that even though textile sector had made rapid strides, problems like labour unrest have to be tackled tactfully and Government must take practical approach to protect the sector.
marketing@alchempro.com
