RMG makers hope to recover loss as Batexpo kicks off tomorrow

With the country's biggest apparel and textile exposition kicking off tomorrow in Dhaka, garment makers hope to recover losses they incurred due to prolonged labour unrest and volatile politics last year.
Some 82 companies will display their products in the 18th version of the annual Bangladesh Apparel and Textile Exposition (Batexpo) at Pan Pacific Sonargaon hotel.
The labour unrest over minimum pay of workers in the garment sector began in May 2006 and continued until September 2006. Immediate after the labour unrest the country witnessed political unrest over national elections under a caretaker government in October. The political agitation, which includes countrywide general strikes, caused much loss to the businesses until the end of 2006.
Industry insiders are hopeful the garment sector, which earns 76 percent of the country's total exports, will be greatly benefited from the show, where international buyers will gather.
Chairman of the Trade Fair Committee of the BGMEA Salam Chowdhury said the local manufacturers expect good response from international buyers at the three-day show.
"A lot of buyers especially from countries like Latin American and Africa have already arrived in the country to place orders during the fair," he said.
Chief Adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed is likely to inaugurate the fair.
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has been organising such mega expo since 1989 to promote RMG products.