Securing cash support key to survival
Securing liquidity support from the banking system is important for the survival of the garment industry as exporters have been facing a cash crunch for more than a year after Covid-19 caused shipments to crash, said Faruque Hassan, the panel leader of Sammilita Parishad.
So, if elected, he hopes to provide support to mitigate the cash crisis faced by the garment sector by negotiating with the central bank and the finance and commerce ministries.
"We have to ensure that the factories stay afloat in this crisis," Hassan said.
"In our first 100 days, our goal will be to avail as much relief as possible to keep the production wheel moving. We can turn this crisis into opportunity," he added.
The entrepreneur thinks the term 'image building' has itself got a negative connotation in recent times. "We have heard so much of it, but so less has happened in the last two years."
"Our election manifesto has stated specific programmes and initiatives that we will carry out in the next two years to brighten the image of the apparel industry."
If elected, the platform will highlight the positive aspects of the industry and its green revolution to the global audience through seminars, photo exhibitions and conferences in Europe and the US, Bangladesh's top two export destinations.
It will host an international apparel exhibition in Dhaka to showcase the capacity, variety, diversity and innovation of the industry.
In order to receive better prices, manufacturers need to establish Bangladesh as a premium apparel sourcing destination.
"We need to do marketing of our safety standard, world-class compliance and green and sustainable factories. We will enable more factories to innovate by providing training and technical support from the BGMEA and increase cooperation among the factories," Hassan said.
The businessman says he has full confidence in the BGMEA election commission and chairman of the commission.
"BGMEA's election has always been fair, and this time, it will be fair too."
"I am certain that the respectable members of the BGMEA will acknowledge my hard work and the history of service and accomplishments over the last decade and kindly give their judgement in favour of me."
Hassan has made improving relationships and cooperation among the industries one of his key priorities.
"If elected, I will hold regular zonal meetings with different industrial zones and create a community feeling among the manufacturers in each zone."
The platform has pledged to work to reform the labour laws to modernise the Labour Department, bring industry-friendly changes to the mindset of labour organisations, and improve relationships with labour leaders.
One of the priorities of his manifesto is the development of small and medium-sized apparel factories and update the definition of SMEs so that more factories can access the stimulus packages unveiled by the government and the refinancing scheme of the central bank.
"SME manufacturers are suffering financially and most of the banks are not extending adequate financial support to them although they need the fund desperately."
He said the BGMEA, if the panel is voted to victory, would ensure transparency and accountability of the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) to accelerate the momentum of workplace safety and green growth of the industry.
There is a skill mismatch in mid-level management in the industry. As a result, many factories are forced to hire a good number of foreign nationals, who take home billions of dollars each year in salaries.
"To mitigate the skill gap, we have a plan to establish a Sustainable Excellence Centre at the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology involving local and foreign experts."
Hassan also pledged to set up an institute on fashion and technology in Dhaka and Chattogram to develop skilled human resources.
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