Dhaka, Bangladesh (BBN) - The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the developing nations, including the US, to allow duty-free access of textiles and apparels from the least developed countries (LDCs).
BGMEA President Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez made the appeal on Saturday prior to his departure for Geneva to attend the World Trade Organization (WTO) mini-ministerial meeting.
"We want duty free access as per the WTO rules in the US market. The apparel sector has employed millions of people, mostly women," the BGMEA president said. "This is crucial for economic growth and poverty alleviation in Bangladesh."
BGMEA chief also said if the developed nations are truly committed to supporting employment and economic advancement in the least developed countries they must support and protect labor-intensive textiles industries.
BBN/SI/SI/AD/20JULY08-22:40