27 July 2009, Dhaka - Japanese giant Uniqlo, one of the world’s
fastest growing retailers, has expressed strong interest in doubling imports of
knitwear from Bangladesh, industry representatives were told on a trade mission
to Japan last week. Uniqlo Vice President Hiroshi Nagai however, emphasized the
need for improvements in product quality and diversification.
The Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters
Association (BKMEA) President Fazlul Haque told journalists on his return from Japan
on Friday, that the country could earn up to US$ one billion by exporting
knitwear to Japan within next five years, if the correct steps are taken. A 20 member
BKMEA delegation led by its President visited Japan from July 20-23.
Fazlul Haque said that regular contacts with the Japanese
importers, participation in trade fairs, diversification of products and
reforms in rules of origin to avail duty-free facilities are essential in achieving
this goal. During the visit, the BKMEA delegation met with leaders of the Japan
Textiles Importers Association (JTIA), the Japan Chemical Fibers Association
(JCFA) and Uniqlo.
During discussions, the BKMEA delegation gave presentations
on Bangladeshi knitwear products showing its strong position in the
international market, its competitive price and the country’s ability to export
within the shortest possible time. Japan, the fourth largest garment importer
in the world, imports garments worth US$ 23 billion annually, of which US $11
billion is knitwear.
Source:
The Daily Independent
.gif)
