Sfaff Reporter: Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), represented Bangladesh’s ready-made garment in the public hearing held yesterday (March 11, 2024) by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC). The hearing was held in connection to a new factfinding investigation undertaken by USITC to examine the export competitiveness of the apparel industries in Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, and Pakistan.

BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Asif Ashraf, and Abdullah Hil Rakib and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs ANM Saifuddin were also present at the conference room of the Commerce Ministry during the hearing held virtually. 

USITC Chairman David S. Johanson along with his colleagues conducted the public hearing.

In his presentation during public hearing, Faruque Hassan provided an overview of Bangladesh's RMG sector, with special focus on the industry's progress in areas such as workplace safety, green growth, workers' rights, and labour law reforms. 

He also presented a picture of current apparel trade with the USA, especially the strengths and factors that have contributed to weathering global setbacks performing well in the world market, particularly in the US.

He answered different questions regarding the garment industry of Bangladesh.  

Senior Secretary at the Commerce Ministry Tapan Kanti Ghosh, who represented the government of Bangladesh in the hearing, highlighted the government's initiatives to enhance workers' rights, particularly through amendments to labour laws.

Mohammad Navid Safiullah, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Commerce, was also present.

Biniyougbarta/DFE//