Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) will hold Dhaka Apparel Summit 2014 at Bangabandhu International Conference Center from December 7 to 9.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate the summit.
The program aims at devising ways of facing challenges to reach $50 billion RMG export landmark by 2021 when Bangladesh will celebrate the golden jubilee of her independence.
BGMEA President Md. Atiqul Islam made the announcement at a media briefing at his office on 25 November while BGMEA First Vice President Nasiruddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Second Vice President SM Mannan (Kochi), Vice President Md. Shahidullah Azim and Vice President (Finance) Reaz Bin Mahmood were present.
Md. Atiqul Islam said that the world market size of RMG products is now $450 billion, which will be $650 in 2021.
“At present, the country’s RMG market share is 5% and to reach the vision of 2021 to become a middle-income country, we have to grab 8% share in the global market,” he said. “We want to earn $50bn from exporting RMG product by 2021.”
Bangladesh earned $24.49 billion from RMG export in the fiscal year of 2013-14.
The BGMEA president said they would send a message from the summit to the outside world that the Rana Plaza does not depict the real picture of Bangladesh’s RMG sector.
Some recent challenges faced by the industry relating to workplace safety issues have raised global concerns. Discussions are going on to shape a more sustainable and responsible global supply chain, the organiser said.
The Dhaka Apparel Summit will be organised to open dialogue for a road map to building responsible supply chains for textiles and garment sector that contribute to a sustainable development and inclusive growth of the economy.
The summit will feature a number of interactive panel sessions to be participated by representatives of governments from home and partner countries, international organisations, employers, private sectors, workers’ representatives, civil society organisations, brand representatives, buyers and academics.
The discussion will bring benefits for the RMG producers by enriching their knowledge about latest apparel technologies and fashion. The summit will also help domestic apparel makers build a bridge with the global buyers as well as experts.
In the summit, there will be a safety expo titled “Bangladesh Building and Fire Safety Expo 2014” to be participated by globally recognised safety equipment producers. They will display products and demonstrate several.