Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN)- Bangladesh’s garment makers on Saturday urged the political parties to withdraw blockade to help continue the growth of knit products exports, especially in the new markets, and the country’s economy.
Expressing grave concern over the ongoing political situation, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) in a statement also appealed to all political parties to shun the path of destructive political activities including strikes and blockades.
Knit products exports in the new and potential markets like Japan, Russia, China and South Africa witnessed a 16.95 per cent growth in fiscal year of 2013-14, it said. “But the recent political impasse has already started taking a toll on it and threatened further growth in those markets.”
The BKMEA also said the sector is passing through a very crucial time, especially after the Rana Plaza tragic incident, with the improvement works to ensure workplace safety in factories as a result of different corrective measures, buyers are getting back their confidence and have increased the volume of orders in recent times.
“Uncertainty will be created among the global knitl buyers again and they will be discouraged to place orders in Bangladesh if such political situation continues,” it noted.
BBN/SSR/AD-10Jan15-9:36 pm (BST)