Founded in 2007 by Quamar Alam, the Managing Director, Florence Group has grown from modest beginnings into globally competitive export-oriented enterprise. Today, the company operates seven state-of-the-art factories, employs over 8,100 workers, and generates an annual export turnover exceeding USD 100 million. With a monthly production capacity of more than 2 million garments, Florence Group supplies leading global fashion and lifestyle brands across the menswear, womenswear, and childrenswear categories. In a recent interview with team Textile Focus, Quamar Alam shared some key challenges and workarounds of the RMG Sector. The conversation is summarized below for our readers.
“I don’t want to limit the challenges of our country’s ready-made garments (RMG) sector to just one issue; rather, I believe we are facing several challenges. Among them, a significant one is energy security — specifically, the gas crisis, which is having a negative impact on our garments sector. Due to production gaps, there are delays in on-time shipments. However, the good news is that the government is on our side, and they have promised to resolve the gas crisis.
Another major issue is connectivity, which requires us to improve our port and airport capacities and reduce the associated costs. Additionally, we need to overcome the instability caused by negative campaigns. It is extremely important to positively brand our country and the garments industry.”
,”There are many other problems as well — including VAT, tax issues, support for SME factories, and their access to financial help and proper policies. If these are addressed, our efficiency will improve in the future and new entrepreneurs will emerge.
In the upcoming BGMEA election, we need leadership that is more competent — as our panel leader Mahmud Hasan Khan Babu often says. All the candidates running in the election are capable, but we must select those who are the most qualified. We should choose leaders who have a proven track record of positive branding, who are successful in the industry, who have a vision for branding and the ability to work with the government and negotiate effectively. I believe we need that kind of leadership.”
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) plays a crucial role in supporting the RMG sector, and a strong BGMEA is essential for its continued success and sustainability. BGMEA acts as a representative body for the RMG sector, advocating for its interests with the government, providing services to its members, and ensuring workers’ rights and social compliance.
