The export of ready-made garments (RMG) from factories in the port city is increasing as there is no labour unrest here. According to the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), RMG goods to the tune of $543 million have been exported from Chattogram in the first four months of the current fiscal year.
In July, garment export growth was 7.94 per cent in Chattogram as factories exported apparel items worth $106 million. In August, the export growth was 55.98 per cent as factories exported goods worth $166 million. However, the export growth decreased by 20 per cent in September due to floods. The factories exported $132 million worth of goods. However, local exporters shipped goods worth $137 million in October.
BKMEA factories at export-processing zones, including Chittagong Export Processing Zone (CEPZ), Karnaphuli Export Processing Zone and Korean Export Processing Zone (KEPZ), are now getting more orders from foreign buyers, said the sources concerned. On the other hand, the growth of exports from Dhaka-based factories was 17.56 per cent in July and 29.77 per cent in August. It dropped completely in September and October.
International Business Forum Chairman SM Abu Taiyeb said the people of Chattogram are business-friendly and factory environments are friendly to production here. “Chattogram is important for the seaport. Buyers always seek factories in Chattogram to give orders.” There are around 4,500 RMG factories in Dhaka where worker unrest is prevailing. But, only 500 to 600 factories are producing RMG goods in Chattogram now, Taiyeb adds. “For Chittagong port, the cost and risk of carrying goods are less in Chattogram. So, buyers are eager to order goods in Chattogram.” If the government restarts giving gas to factories in Chattogram, many factories will be set up in the port city, he adds.
RDM Group Managing Director Mustafa Sarwar Riyad said that due to the unrest in Dhaka, foreign buyers are turning to garment factories in Chattogram.
