Finance
Export Will lose buyers if products are not delivered due to lockdown: BKMEA
Dhaka, July 15: On the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha, the ongoing restrictions in the country have been relaxed for eight days. The government has imposed strict restrictions for another 14 days after the relaxation. The factories will be closed from 8 am on July 23 to midnight on August 5. At the same time, all government, semi-government, autonomous and private offices will also be closed.
It is better to keep the export oriented industry out of the restrictions. Infection is under control when the labourers work in factories. The situation will only get worse if the workers go out together. If the industry is closed due to restrictions, there could be a catastrophe in these sectors. The country's export-oriented industries will suffer; Especially the garment sector.
If such a situation prevails in the country, foreign buyers will turn away, they will move to a country where there is no lockdown. Considering the situation, the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), an organization of knitwear owners, has advised to keep it out of the next 14 days.
Fazle Ehsan Shamim, vice-president of the organization and managing director (MD) of Fatullah Apparel, said, "Factory owners would face a financial crisis if it was closed for 14 days from July 23. Because where there will be no production, where will the factory give the goods to the buyers, who will pay? Buyers will turn away from our country."
"We have been in various problems for almost a year and a half. Especially at this time the sector has had to face many crises including cancellation of orders. Now overcoming the crisis and coming to a better position, orders are coming from foreign buyers," he said.
"We will have a request to the government to open up each sector one by one. First export oriented or industrial sector, then bank insurance or other institutions," he said.
"There are still many countries where there are lockdowns as well as industrial production. It was happening in our country as well.
"Now, we are getting the orders. Shipment is being processed, delivery time is coming. In this case, if the factory is closed, everything will be ruined," he said.
