Despite being confronted by high interest rates, local apparel accessories and packaging producers are efficiently supporting Bangladesh’s exports and economy as a whole, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Md. Faruk Khan has said.
The Minister said this while speaking in the capacity of Chief Guest at the closing ceremony of the fourth International Garment Accessories and Packaging Exposition (GAPEXPO 2013).
Organized by Bangladesh Garment Accessories and Packaging Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), the event showcased apparel accessories, packaging and machinery to local as well as global apparel producers.
Former President of Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry Annisul Huq said Bangladeshi garment producers earlier imported packing material from China to pack apparels meant for export, but now they get cartons matching global norms produced domestically.
Adding that it is not possible to export any goods without good packaging, he said leading global brands stress on product packaging to lure customers.
National Board of Revenue (NBR) member Nasir Uddin said in order to address the issues faced by the apparel accessories and packaging material producers, the Board has introduced automation, which would ease procedure for obtaining licences, Utilization Permission (UP) and also some other matters.
BGAPMEA President Rafez Alam Chowdhury said the annual exports of apparel accessories and packaging materials from Bangladesh is likely to reach US$ 12 billion by 2018, against 2011-12’s exports worth about US$ 3.6 billion.
Next year, GAPEXPO would be held from January 12 to 18.