A new trend is developing in India and Bangladesh where trade association office bearers promote the interests of all their members instead of promoting the cause of the company they represent.
The office bearers of trade associations are elected from among the members that operate in the same trade. It is not usual in Pakistan that the trade association representatives visit foreign countries to represent the industry. Usually they visit on behalf of their company to seek orders. That is fine but the associations must also visit foreign markets to seek business for their sector. This would also enable them to sort out issues that the foreign buyers face with Pakistani suppliers. These issues could then be sorted out at the association level.
In Bangladesh for instance the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association President in a meeting with clothing brand Reitmans pleaded to strengthen its partnership with Bangladeshi apparel suppliers. He asserted that the partnership is already based on mutual trust and commitment to enhance trade. The Canadian clothing company operates several store brands, including Reitmans, Penningtons, Addition Ell, Hyba, Thyme, RW&CO.
The BRGMEA president asked the Canadian brand to explore avenues of how they could collaborate with their suppliers in developing value-added products and increase sourcing those products from Bangladesh for the mutual benefits of both sides.
Bangladesh’s RMG industry is increasingly putting emphasis on business capacity development and manufacturing value-added products, especially non-cotton apparels. A “Made in Bangladesh Week” will be organized in this regard by BGMEA on 12-18 November 2022 in Dhaka to promote Bangladesh’s RMG industry and demonstrate the country as a value-added apparel-producing nation in the world.
