As feared by some quarters, the impact of global recession on Bangladeshi garment industry may not linger for long as the local manufacturers are now presenting diversified products resulting in fresh orders in recent weeks. In terms of price competitiveness, Bangladeshi exporters still remain number one in the world. Importers from across the world were found enthusiastic about the Bangladeshi products at Bangladesh Knitwear Exhibition and BATEXPO — two major annual expos showcasing local garment and textile products.

Visiting both the exhibitions, it was found that be it knitwear or cut and sew woven garments or home textiles, manufacturers showcased finer fabrics, attractive applications, designs and colours. ‘It is being noticed by many importers that local manufacturers are getting capable to cater superior quality knitwear including sweaters,’ said Roberta Golfetto of Hangzheu Knitworks.

Roberta, an Italian having a souring office in China, hopes to significantly increase the volume of purchase she makes from Bangladesh. She purchases apparel for some posh French brands. ‘Increase of automated machineries indicates that Bangladesh in future is capable of presenting fancy and expensive products,’ she said. ‘This year’s exhibitions are more colourful and diversified than the previous years. And, Bangladeshi exhibitors now showcase products with variation,’ said David Chiu of Hong Kong-based apparel buying agent South Ocean. Chiu and some Japanese visitors were eagerly having a look at some knitted T-shirts for men and tops for women with attractive designs and applications —print, embroidery and stonework.

Mohammed Soharwardi, chairman of the Rupashi Group, showed the overseas visitors some up-market T-shirts, tops and bottoms tagged with brands like Zara, GAP and H&M. Abdus Salam Murshedy, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said despite price-fall every sub-sectors of the industry is fighting for developments which has been reflected at the 20th BATEXPO-2009. Denim fabrics, woven garments, knitwear and home textiles were showcased at BATEXPO. Of them, mercerized denim was displayed at the stall of Murshedy’s Envoy Textile- country’s first rope denim unit. But, this variety of denim was not produced in the country even a year back. Agha Dastageer of Pakistan’s Kassim Textiles pointed out that the global buyers would continue sourcing the finely-stitched made in Bangladesh jeans denim-wears, as these are cheapest in the world. Julfiquer Ali Turaj, executive director of Synergies, an international buying house, also said that for the last couple of months, local manufacturers have been experiencing fresh rush of orders.

-New Age