Intertek, a leading provider of quality solutions to industries worldwide, has expanded its Southeast Asia presence into Myanmar with the launch of its garment inspection services in the country, the company said in a statement.
Intertek's entry into Mynamar comes at a time when the minimum wage in the country's garment industry has become a controversial issue.
Intertek's expansion into Myanmar supplements its textile and apparel testing and inspection services throughout Southeast Asia including Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
“In 2014, Myanmar saw substantial growth in its apparel industry, with a new factory opening every week. As a result, there is a critical need for inspection services to support the industry as it continues on this upward trajectory,” said Calvin Yam, senior vice president for Global Softlines at Intertek. “As more North American and European retailers and brands commit to sourcing from Myanmar, the country's apparel industry is primed to continue its rapid growth, making it a key area for Intertek expansion as well.”
According to the Myanmar garment manufacturers association, the country's garment industry exports doubled in only three years, reaching $1.5 billion in 2014. Today, the country's industry employs 200,000 workers across 275 apparel factories, making it the largest
industrial sector in Myanmar.
With around 1,200 highly specialized inspectors around the globe, Intertek offers a full range of garment inspection services across the supply chain, from pre-inspection of raw materials and fabrics at the factories, to during production inspections of finished and semi-finished goods to identify faults and defects and finally a pre-shipment final random inspection to ensure the required product specifications are met.
Additionally, Intertek works with fabric and apparel retailers, brands and manufacturers to help ensure their products comply with the relevant standards and regulations throughout the production process.
