Apparel sector leaders have sought policy support, uninterrupted energy supply, and measures to delay Bangladesh’s graduation from the least developed country category during a meeting with the prime minister on Monday.
They also urged the government to address long-standing challenges related to banking, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), customs, VAT, and industrial operations to sustain growth and protect investments in the export-oriented apparel sector.
A delegation from the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) met the prime minister on Monday afternoon at the Secretariat.
After the meeting, BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem said the prime minister had asked businesses to diversify and assured them that the government would provide all types of policy support.
He also said the prime minister discussed the revival of Rajshahi’s traditional silk industry and emphasised engaging the private sector in restoring the sector’s past prominence.
Referring to the prime minister’s remarks, Hatem said the government was also willing to hand over state-owned silk factories to the private sector.
“If any apparel owners are interested, the prime minister advised them to contact the government,” Hatem added.
“We expressed willingness to cooperate in that effort,” he added.
Hatem said the business leaders thanked the government for taking initiatives to defer the country’s LDC graduation timeline and expressed hope that the government would take sincere and effective follow-up measures in this regard.
He said they also appreciated the government’s efforts to reopen closed factories, but stressed that support was needed to ensure that operational factories do not shut down in the future.
“We have highlighted various problems related to banks, customs, and VAT before the prime minister. He asked us to submit the issues in a specific written format so that the government can take necessary initiatives,” he added.
He also said the business leaders underscored the growing importance of man-made fibre in achieving product diversification and sought necessary policy support from the government to strengthen competitiveness in the global apparel market.
The industry representatives further informed the prime minister that investment growth was being hampered by disruptions in gas and energy supply.
“We requested quick solutions to the ongoing energy, fuel, and gas-related challenges affecting industrial production and export activities,” he added.
Hatem also said the prime minister listened to their concerns with patience and cordiality and assured them of the necessary policy support.
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