The country's garment export grew strongly in January on the back of hefty exports to EU and USA markets, said officials of the EPB (Export Promotion Bureau).

Vice Chairman of EPB Shahab Ullah said the total export earning stood 10 per cent higher at $7,727 million in the July-January period with garments accounting for 82.5 percent.

He said the export data, which will be formally launched today, shows that the woven sector has been regaining its top position among the export items.

The January export data shows the earnings from woven garments stood $492 million, while knitwear fetched $464 million, posting 49 and 69 percent growth over January 2007 figures.

Shahab Ullah said the apparel exporters earned 59 percent more in January than a year-ago period on the back of a huge growth in orders from European countries while demands from USA.

In the first month of 2008, Bangladesh's exports of readymade garment items worth $957 million.

Industry people said more-than-expected orders from the EU market boosted the overall export figures, while growth remained static in the single biggest market, USA.

The apparel sector leaders said to sustain the growth in the coming months, Bangladesh needs a congenial production environment backed by a stable political situation and cordial relation between workers and owners.