HPs Speech for seminar BGMEA is one of the largest Trade Associations in Bangladesh having over 5063 Members

representing the woven garments, knitwear and sweater sub-sectors of the RMG industry. Beginning its journey in 1983 with only 134 members, today BGMEA represents an industry that has turned as the backbone of Bangladeshs economy which is fueled not only by the sweat and toil of the RMG owners but also the dedication and determination of 3.6 million RMG workers. In FY 2009-10 our RMG exports amounted to US$12.50 billion which is 1.21% higher than the previous year. The global recession slowed down the growth pace of RMG exports even though we have been able to avert the full impact with our diligence and hard work and with the support of our highly adept labor force. Now the recession is over and we are viewing a surge in RMG export. Despite all the odds, Bangladeshi apparel exports started to surge in

recent months showing the sign of recovery. According to the latest data from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), during the first four month (July-Oct) of FY2010-11 Bangladeshs apparel exports rose by 38.60% compared to the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.
We have to concentrate on improving our image. We have enhanced our minimum wages. The minimum wages of all the seven grades have been increased by around 81% on an average whereas inflation between the last two review periods was 35% as reported by the Bangladesh Bank. The government has declared a new minimum wages structure for the garment worker which has been implemented from the first day of November 2010. I believe this wage increase will enhance our reputation world wide.

I believe CSR is part of our branding. BGMEA has taken intensive programs regarding workers welfare. The construction of a 150 bedded BGMEA hospital at Chittagong is underway. Fifty percent construction work has already been completed and the hospital will be ready to open by next year. Construction of another hospital of same capacity at Dhaka will start in December 2010. BGMEA in collaboration with UNFPA runs several programs to aware the workers on reproductive health and gender issues. We are also providing awareness program on AIDS and tuberculosis issues to the workers jointly with the Ministry of Health, Global Fund and Marie Stopes. BGMEA is running 12 health centers and four primary schools free of cost. In order to address skill shortage issue, BGMEA got itself involved in a number of human resources development projects, across the country, with the support of the government and various development partners. With the objective of utilizing the best resources of 27 Technical Training Centers of Bangladesh, BGMEA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bureau of Manpower, Employment & Training. People living in the poverty stricken Northern part of the country are given special priority through this program (so far

15000 people are trained and placed in factories). BGMEA also took a separate training program for the returned Camel JOKIES from UAE. BGMEA annually organizes a day long BATEXPO Workers Fair. This year we have tried to give it a different dimension. For the first time we have launched a talent hunt program for the garment workers titled GORBO which means PRIDE. The theme behind the title is that the garment industry is the pride of Bangladesh and we are proud for our workers. The reason behind organizing such event is to provide the workers a platform where they can discover their talents and make them motivated. This would also improve the relationship between the workers and the management. The Government of Bangladesh and BGMEA are seriously looking forward to engage in the Better Work Program to improve the reputation of Bangladesh. Better Work is part of the Better Work global program, a partnership between the ILO and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). I believe Better Work Program will give us international recognition which will assist us in Branding In the last two and a half decades of journey Bangladesh RMG has achieved a lot. Now Bangladesh is ranked as the 3rd largest apparel exporting country in the world. Bangladeshs garment sector is free of child labor and forced labor according to USDOL Report (Sep, 2009). For the 1st time Standard & Poor's (S&Ps) ranked Bangladesh: Long term international credit: BB- & Short term credit: B. Moodys Investors Service ranked Bangladesh as Ba3. Both JP Morgan and Goldman Sachs have included Bangladesh among their shortlists of transitional states likely to succeed. Bangladesh received the UN award for its remarkable achievements in attaining the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) particularly in reducing child mortality (75% of the children). Bangladesh has technologically progress too. There are 65.14 million mobile phone subscribers in Bangladesh out of 162.22 million people. Image Building is our top priority now. BGMEA has taken an extensive initiative for industry and nation branding. Todays seminar is part of our many activities. We have already started working with the Bangladesh Brand Forum in this respect. We are also working with the Nielsen Bangladesh to conduct a study on assessing the contribution of the RMG industry to the economy of Bangladesh and to

the livelihoods of individuals depending on this sector. Besides, we are developing audio-visual and printed materials for mass communication.