Explore new markets for apparel

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged industry stakeholders to explore new markets for Bangladeshi garment products and keep pace with the ever-changing trends.

"Those working with garments and their exports will have to find new markets. Newer products will have to be produced keeping in mind that the choices vary in different countries," she said.

The premier was addressing through a video conference an event marking the National Textiles Day and the inauguration of six textile educational institutes.

The Ministry of Textiles and Jute organised the event at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre (BICC) in the capital.

"Fashion and design are very important and they are constantly changing. We have to… realise which design is high in demand."

The newly inaugurated six textile institutes are: Sheikh Rehana Textile Engineering College in Gopalganj, Sheikh Russel Textile Institute in Jamalpur, Shahid Abdur Rob Serniabat Textile Institute in Barishal's Gournadi, Shahid Kamaruzzaman Textile Institute in Naogaon, Begum Amina Mansur Textile Engineering Institute in Sirajganj and Bhola Textile Institute.

Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi, Bir Prateek, its secretary Abdur Rauf and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association Acting President Shahidullah Azim also spoke at the function.

Dastagir, on behalf of the prime minister, handed over honorary awards to 10 individuals and institutions including the BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMEA, and Bangladesh University of Textiles.

Sheikh Hasina said the readymade garments industry was playing a pivotal role in the country's economy as Bangladesh has earned $ 45.70 billion by exporting those in 2022.

"The textile sector makes a special contribution to our economy. We have earned a lot of foreign currency by exporting readymade garment items, and it has created a huge employment [opportunity] for both women and men. It has particularly opened a new door to women's employment."

The prime minister said the readymade garments immensely contributed to making the village economy more vibrant as the women from the grassroots worked in the garment factories.