Top leaders of the BGMEA have urged the government to reinstate the pre-shipment credit refinancing scheme and keep it effective until 2030, stating that it would help entrepreneurs manage their working capital needs.
They also proposed for creating a forced fund against export proceeds to support factories in paying wages and resolving crises during emergencies.
The said issues were raised during a meeting between a delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by its President Mahmud Hasan Khan with Dr. Anisuzzaman Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser.
The BGMEA delegation called on Dr. Chowdhury to discuss various existing pressing issues currently facing by the country’s RMG industry.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Planning in the capital.
The BGMEA delegation included Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoza Chowdhury, and member Md. Kamal Uddin.
Dr. Mostafa Abid Khan (Component Manager-1, SSGP, ERD), Dr. Md. Rezaul Bashar Siddiquee (Component Manager-2, SSGP), Nesar Ahmed (International Trade Expert, SSGP), Joint Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, and Communication Specialist Mehedi Mosharraf Bhuiyan were present, said a BGMEA press release.
During the meeting, the BGMEA representatives had open discussions on a wide range of issues, including banking challenges, issues related to the National Board of Revenue (NBR), gas supply to the industries, renewable energy integration, on improving Chattogram Port’s efficiency, and licensing complications (such as trade license, ERC, and IRC renewals).
About the Bangladesh Bank’s loan classification policy, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan pointed out that the repayment period for loan installments has been reduced from 9 months to 3 months for which many entrepreneurs struggle to meet due to financial constraints.
He proposed extending the period to 6 months, noting that such a move could prevent 500-600 factories from becoming classified loans.
The BGMEA also sought Dr. Anisuzzaman’s support in reviving the abandoned garments village project in Munshiganj and establishing a dedicated industrial zone for small and medium-sized factories in Chattogram.
