BKMEA bats for better policy coordination in garment sector

The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) has proposed forming a high-level committee comprising relevant government ministries and business organisations to ensure better coordination in policymaking and implementation for the garment sector.

BKMEA President Mohammad Hatem made the proposals in a written submission during a meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Monday.

The proposed committee would include representatives from the ministries of Finance, Commerce and Labour, the National Board of Revenue (NBR), FBCCI, BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA and BEZA. It would coordinate policies and activities related to the garment and industrial sectors and ensure effective implementation of policy decisions.

BKMEA also called for a long-term and integrated master plan for energy management, including gas and electricity, to ensure uninterrupted energy supplies to industries. It proposed that future investments, industrial expansion and energy demand be considered, including coal-fired power plants and nuclear power projects.

The association also recommended developing a carbon credit mechanism suited to Bangladesh’s socio-economic realities and industrial capacity.

It urged the government to consult stakeholders before introducing new industrial and trade policies or amending existing ones. It also proposed providing a reasonable transition period before implementing new policies.

BKMEA recommended effective digitalisation of NBR’s tax, customs, VAT and import-export services to reduce business costs, delays and harassment while improving revenue collection.

It also proposed updating and effectively implementing the Bangladesh National Building Code, taking into account existing infrastructure, industrial capacity, and fire and building safety requirements.