Apparel summit starts today amid optimism
The inaugural Dhaka Apparel Summit sets off today amid hopes of brightening the image of the country's garment sector following two major industrial disasters in a space of six months.
Organised by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, the sector's apex trade body, the three-day event is also expected to gain traction for the sector as it aims to cross the $50 billion-mark in exports by 2021.
“Our main goal is to disseminate a message to the international communities that the Rana Plaza episode does not reflect the country's garment sector,” BGMEA President Atiqul Islam said at a press briefing on the eve of the event, which will comprise nine seminars.
Until Saturday, more than 2,000 people registered for the event, to be held at the capital's Bangabandhu International Conference Centre, he said.
Scholars and students from American institutes like the Harvard University, New York University Stern Business School and University of California Santa Barbara, among others will participate in the event.
A total of 21 retailers from the US and 44 from the European Union have registered for the summit, which will also have an exhibition of fire safety equipment spread across 92 stalls.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the summit, the total cost for which will be Tk 11.5 crore. The sponsors will foot the bill, the BGMEA president said.
The sessions will cover issues pertaining to the sector's $50 billion export target on the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh, infrastructure, environmental sustainability, future of workers, factory remediation financing, responsible buying and productivity, workplace safety, roles of media and social impact.
Islam said the doubling of exports by 2021 is possible provided there is an adequate supply of gas and power in the industrial units.
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