Canadian High Commissioner Praised The Progress Made by Bangladesh in RMG Secror

Newly appointed Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Benoît-Pierre Laramee has praised the progress made by Bangladesh in improving working conditions in readymade garment (RMG) sector.

During a meeting with office bearers of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in Dhaka, Laramee said the government of Canada will extend a helping hand to Bangladesh’s garment sector to enable it to reach the goal of US$ 50 billion export by 2021.

Appreciating the progress made by Bangladesh’s apparel industry, Laramee said effective and meaningful social dialogue will ensure a culture of safety, transparency and accountability. He also stressed on the need to complete the remaining tasks to make the sector socially responsible.

In 2013-14, Bangladesh’s RMG exports to Canada crossed $1 billion, compared to exports of $595.55 million in 2009-10. The duty free access provided by Canada immensely benefits the Bangladeshi garment sector, according to Laramee.

The Canadian envoy said that the vision to achieve $50 billion clothing export target by 2021 will contribute towards Bangladesh attaining the status of a middle income country.

Once Bangladesh reaches middle income country status, it will not get duty free access, so it is important to plan on how the garment sector would be managed during the transition from a low to middle income country, said Laramee.

BGMEA President Atiqul Islam thanked the Canadian government for granting Bangladesh duty-free and quota-free market access to Canada.