Separate ministry needed to boost RMG exports

The Forum Panel leader wants a separate ministry for the garment industry as the sector has already grown to massive proportions and needs its relevant functions to be expedited to take it forward.

Currently, the commerce ministry is the line ministry for dealing with the garment industry. Khan said the commerce ministry was always busy with other activities.

He said if elected, he would appeal to the government for the creation of a separate ministry for the apparel sector.

He also has a plan to appeal for the launch of a separate fund to finance small and medium enterprises (SMEs) so that they can also grow bigger gradually by borrowing low-cost loans from this fund.

To counter the Covid-19 pandemic shock, Vietnam introduced such a fund to support the SMEs. He said the government should also fully digitalise and automate customs processes so that businesspeople can complete audits as soon as possible.

Khan wants more of the next generation to come to this business, be it through family inheritance or through individual efforts as new entrepreneurs.

It is possible if everyone plays a more dignified role in this sector by complying with rules and regulations, he said.

Regarding the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), the Forum panel leader said he would try for the university to be run by the BGMEA again and would introduce a trustee board from the trade body to run the educational institution.

Khan is optimistic that this time too Bangladesh would be able to overcome challenges posed by US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariffs.

He reasoned that the local manufacturers have gained a lot of experience facing a lot of challenges, such as withdrawal of quotas and Rana Plaza building collapse.

Bangladesh can negotiate with the Trump administration, such as by increasing the import of wheat, cotton, soybean and other products, for reducing the trade gap between the two countries, he said.

The graduation of the country from the group of least developed countries (LDCs) is a significant step forward, said Khan.

So, the country should also prepare for facing the new trends of business as preferential trade benefits will be eroded after the graduation in November 2026, he said.

So, Bangladesh should sign free trade agreements (FTAs) with the major trading partners so that the exports of the country remain unaffected even after the LDC graduation, he said.

The future of Bangladesh's garment industry is bright as the sector has been stable and growing and improving, said Khan.

The government should also ensure adequate supply of gas and electricity so that the exports continue to grow, he said.

He committed to working with the government and the factory owners to improve the energy supply to the garment sector.

Establishing a healthy industrial relationship among the factory management, workers and union leaders is essential. "We will improve this relationship so that the workers can feel dignified in their jobs," Babu said.