Electricity crisis resolved, but industries hamstrung by gas crunch: BGMEA president

The electricity crisis faced by the apparel industries that was affecting production has been resolved, said Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) president, Faruque Hassan.

His remark came at a press briefing over just-ended “Made in Bangladesh Week” on Saturday, in Dhaka. 

He, however, said now the industry badly needs natural gas.

He said the flow of work orders is also increasing though not at a satisfactory pace.

The apparel factories were running under staggering holidays to save power, undermining their uninterrupted production.

Responding to the outcome of the branding exposition, he said, large brands and a number of old and new buyers extended their commitments to source garment from Bangladesh. 

Some 150 buyers joined from the Middle East, of whom 50 hailed from Kuwait alone. Some were from India, too.

Amid the ongoing adverse economic situation, the apex trade body has pledged to explore some new markets. 

Faruque thinks the buyer who attended the expo will come back to Bangladesh with work orders. 

In the briefing, he wanted policy support of the government in the areas of customs clearances, bond and tax procedures. 

BGMEA president said his members also will establish jute recycling facilities in Bangladesh that will produce value added products. 

He also appropriated the steps of the government to import LNG from Brunei.