(Dhaka,7 December 2014) Dhaka Apparel Summit, first of its kind in Bangladesh, is being held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center on 7-8 December 2014. The summit was organized by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in collaboration with Brand Forum Bangladesh.

Press Release: Session-1

The first session of the Dhaka Apparel Summit titled “Bangladesh RMG 2021- Reaching $50 Billion on 50th Anniversary of Bangladesh - A collaborative & coordinated approach” was held at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on 7 December 2014 at 02:30 PM.
This session focused on devising a strategic action plan to overcome the existing challenges and realize the potentials. The session covered business and investment trend, global sourcing dynamics and potentials for Bangladesh, prior issues to support the growth potentials, like infrastructure/port/SEZs, power/gas, human resources development, compliance issues, prudent commercial diplomacy & political stability; supportive policies and coordination between different government agencies, product & market diversification, etc.
Quotes:
“Bank interest is very high and we are looking into the matter.” Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed

“If workers do not work properly and do not show their responsibility, then reaching he target will be impossible.” (Dr. Wajedul Islam Khan)

“Bangladesh stands in second position in 25 countries in terms of trade confidence, according to the latest HSBC Trade Confidence Index.” (Francois de Maricourt, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Limited, Bangladesh)

“Achieving $50 billion should not be the goal. Profit and better life should be the goal.” (Kihak Sung , Founder Chairman & CEO, Youngone Corporation)

“Opportunity for Bangladesh is growing. If the progress continues with the pace it was over the last 18 months, then there is no question that Bangladesh will reach the target of $50 billion.” (Rick Darling, Executive Director, Government & Public Affairs, Li & Fung (Trading) Ltd)

Mostafa Golam Quddus, former president, BGMEA said that our bank interest is higher than that of our competing countries.

Recommendations from the seminar –
Trade unions should arrange bilateral and multilateral discussion among stakeholders. (Wajedul Islam)
Good governance, education, and efficiency is required to move to high-end products and reach the $50 billion target. (Francois de Maricourt, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Limited, Bangladesh)
If we can increase the efficiency by 10% then reaching the target will be possible. The government should reduce duty on import. Reaching the target will be easy if we can ensure good infrastructure. (Kihak Sung , Founder Chairman & CEO, Youngone Corporation)
“Infrastructure, energy, education need to be ensured to achieve the target.” Ellen O’Kane Tauscher, Chair, Board of Directors, Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety
The session was moderated by Md. Atiqul Islam, President BGMEA.
Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Ellen O’Kane Tauscher, Chair, Board of Directors, Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety (AFBWS), Mostafa Golam Quddus, former president, BGMEA, Rick Darling, Executive Director, Government & Public Affairs, Li & Fung (Trading) Ltd., Kihak Sung , Founder Chairman & CEO, Youngone Corporation; Dr. Syed Ferhat Anwar, Professor, Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka, Mr. Kyle Kelhofer, Country Manager, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, IFC, Mr. Francois de Maricourt, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Limited, Bangladesh, and Dr. Wajedul Islam Khan, General Secretary, Bangladesh trade Union Kendra, were present at the session as panel discussant.