Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s garment exports to the United States experienced double-digit growth last year, increasing by 11% year-on-year between January and November. Industry analysts say that the country has become more competitive in recent months thanks to an increased focus on factory social compliance. They also point to growing demand in the U.S. market as another driver of export growth. (New Age BD)
 
A new study from the Asian Center for Development says that the proportion of female workers in Bangladesh’s garment industry is much lower than most believe. The study says that only 65% of garment workers in Bangladesh are women, compared to the current claim of around 80%. The report was based on information collected from 1,200 worker surveys in over 170 factories. (Dhaka Tribune)
 
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chittagong City Corporation (CCC) to construct the city’s first apparel manufacturing zone. The zone, expected to be completed by 2018, will contain up to 40 medium to large production facilities supported by modern infrastructure. Industry leaders have praised the move saying that such a project in Bangladesh’s major port city is long overdue.(Financial Express)
 
Garment accessory and packaging producers in Bangladesh say that they are aiming to export over US$12 billion in products over the next 2 years. Leaders with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) say that they are pushing the government to support this initiative with favorable policies. This category of goods includes things like zippers, tags, laces, and buttons. (Fibre2Fashion)