President urges joint efforts to address apparel sector challenges

President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on all stakeholders, including the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), to work together to address the existing challenges and problems facing the apparel sector.
He made the call when a delegation led by BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem met with him at Bangabhaban on Wednesday afternoon.
During the meeting, the President said coordinated efforts were needed to keep the country’s growing economy moving while ensuring that all parties benefit equally.
He said the current government has adopted finance-, industry- and business-friendly policies to strengthen the country’s economy, create employment opportunities and give businesses a chance to recover.
He further said emerging industries and businesses need necessary protection to remain sustainable in a developing economy. He also stressed the need to reduce bank lending rates to increase investment in the country.
Urging industrialists to explore alternative energy sources, including solar power, to address the energy crisis, the President said the government was working to keep the country’s growing economy moving.
The President expressed his appreciation and thanked knitwear manufacturers and exporters for their important contribution to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
Referring to the restoration of democracy, the President said any problem facing the country should be resolved through discussions in Parliament as part of the democratic process.
The President’s Military Secretary, Secretary and Press Secretary, as well as members of the BKMEA delegation, were present at the meeting.