Mohammad Hatem, the newly elected President of the Bangladesh Knitwear Producers and Exporters Affiliation (BKMEA), is a well-known decide of Bangladesh’s RMG enterprise. With virtually three a few years of involvement in BKMEA and diverse administration roles, Hatem brings in a wealth of knowledge and willpower to his presidency.
In an distinctive dialogue with Apparel Belongings, he shared his strategies and plans to protected Bangladesh’s world administration in apparel export.
Current state of affairs and priorities
Reflecting on BKMEA’s prolonged and spectacular journey, Mohammad Hatem approaches his new perform with confidence, significantly on this very important interval when Bangladesh is current course of very important changes.
“As President, my current priorities revolve spherical enhancing Bangladesh’s place as a primary apparel exporter and reaching our targets. We goal to cope with worldwide challenges, considerably concerning our LDC graduation and are working diligently to protected GSP benefits throughout the American market,” he talked about.
He added that BKMEA is collectively advocating for a five-year postponement of LDC graduation, as a result of it poses very important challenges throughout the current monetary native climate. To navigate this case efficiently, BKMEA is leveraging the strong relationships of Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim authorities, with most important export nations. Furthermore, efforts are underway to create useful conditions for duty-free exports to the US and deal with evolving dynamics post-LDC graduation with the EU.
Optimism for Bangladesh throughout the world apparel market
No matter current challenges all through the nation and the worldwide geopolitical panorama, Hatem stays optimistic. Factors just like the continued gasoline catastrophe affecting manufacturing and rising raw supplies costs are pressing, nonetheless he emphasised that BKMEA is actively talking with the federal authorities to prioritise these points. “Equally, partaking with the Nationwide Board of Earnings (NBR) is crucial for resolving banking and customs obstacles that are presently hindering our export improvement. We’re hopeful that steps is perhaps taken on this regard,” he educated.
BKMEA will be holding discussions with diverse shoppers to find a balanced technique all through this adjustment interval. The upcoming European Union Due Diligence Regulation presents extra complexities, considerably regarding truthful pricing from producers, which Hatem believes is essential for sustaining ethical practices throughout the enterprise.
He is optimistic that the current world panorama offers Bangladesh a singular various. Hatem highlighted
Muhammad Yunus’ administration perform in enhancing Bangladesh’s worldwide image, which the enterprise intends to leverage to attract additional worldwide shoppers. He moreover praised native entrepreneurs for his or her bravery and strong work ethics, stating that they often outshine opponents from completely different nations. Certainly one of many key strengths of the enterprise is fixed and environment friendly communication with current shoppers, guaranteeing Bangladeshi suppliers meet their needs promptly. This dedication and proactive technique will help forge stronger worldwide partnerships and enhance export potential. Sturdy sustainability practices, an attractive funding environment and a proficient workforce moreover contribute to this constructive outlook.
“With China coping with workforce challenges and a shift in path of high-tech industries, there could also be rising potential for Bangladesh to fill gaps throughout the apparel market. Our dedication to sustaining extreme compliance necessities has earned us recognition as one in every of many most safe sourcing nations, which is a cornerstone of our worth proposition to worldwide shoppers. Moreover, with larger than 226 inexperienced factories working throughout the nation, we stand out for our dedication to sustainability,” Hatem talked about.
He moreover recognized that Bangladesh’s ample professional workforce is a giant asset in attracting worldwide shoppers. Furthermore, the nation has established 100 monetary zones that are ready for funding, with on the market plots and all wanted providers. This items a promising stage for worldwide partnerships. “So far yr alone, we have seen a surge of curiosity from Chinese language language merchants in apparel and allied industries, who’re actively on the lookout for options by partaking with us on various ranges,” he shared.
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Areas for quick enchancment
In delicate of newest worker requires and unrest, which led to the closure of some factories, the issue of staff’ rights is as soon as extra throughout the spotlight. Mohammad Hatem emphasised the importance of addressing misconceptions about worker rights in Bangladesh.
“We now have established a framework for workers’ rights that is commendable as compared with many alternative nations. Whereas some may argue in every other case, most staff search truthful wages and job satisfaction and they also often actually really feel optimistic about their employment conditions proper right here. However, disruptions introduced on by exterior occasions inciting unrest can mislead perceptions. We’re devoted to creating certain a gentle work environment and encourage open communication amongst staff to mitigate these factors,” he talked about.
Hatem moreover confused the need for workers to refrain from being influenced by instigators and focus on collaboration and progress all through the enterprise. The success of the enterprise, he well-known, depends on collective efforts, stability and mutual assist. “As we navigate these challenges, we must always uphold our strong relationships with shoppers and worldwide companions, emphasising the constructive factors of Bangladesh as a premier sourcing trip spot. Collectively, we are going to advance our enterprise to new heights,” he concluded.