Marketing and Merchandising is the interface between the customer and manufacturer. This department is responsible for order inquiry receive, development, costing, order analysis, production execution, shipment, and up to payment receiving. So Marketing and merchandising is the backbone department in the Apparel Industry. It is a passionate job for many textile graduates. Engr. Uzzal Dakua, General Manager (Marketing & Merchandising) of Gramtech Knit Dyeing Finishing and Garment Ltd, a sister concern of Team Group. He has been working in the RMG sector for more than 15 years. He Graduated from Primeasia University with a degree in Textile Engineering and was involved with many professional platforms. In a conversation with Team Textile Focus, Mr. Uzzal shared recent challenges and opportunities of marketing from a Bangladesh perspective.
Gramtech Knit Dyeing Finishing & Garments Industries Ltd. produces all kinds of Knitted Polo Shirts, Tee Shirts, Sweatshirts, Jackets, Fleece and Terry Trousers, and Sportswear & activewear. Located in Narayangonj, our factory is completely export-oriented and compliant with all regulatory bodies and local laws, ILO, UDHR, and BGMEA including all related Certificates (100% Accord, Oeko-Tex, GOTS, GRS, OCS, GTW, STW, CFW, CFF, ISO, WRAP, GMP, BSCI & many more).
Our facility includes modern machinery with exceptional products, and our highly skilled workforce works tirelessly to create clothes of outstanding value for our customers anywhere in the world.
Abdullah Hil Rakib, Managing Director of Team Group & Director BGMEA, he is very much focused on Sustainable Business regarding Automation and minimum wastage use of raw materials.
His Main vision is to reduce carbon emissions, reducing wastage, less water usage, less chemical usage, Proper effluent treatment, reuse of treated water and target zero discharge.
He is also very much concerned for People and continuously strives to improve the safety aspects, working conditions, and workers’ income.
About the Textile Sector:
Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industry has an immense and vital role in making the plan come true. Simultaneously the coming decades are very challenging for the industry considering the downward global market and marketing aspects. Branding Bangladesh textile and apparel industry: Bangladesh textile and apparel industry needs global branding as its strength.
Marketing skills:
Marketing is part of strategic intuition and research to see what everyone else is doing. Successful marketers can reach up to current trends and figure out the best marketing skill for their company. Thus, we must constantly hone our marketing skills to survive in the next decade’s market. Marketplace and market trends are ever-changing areas that need continuous improvement for marketing skills, and it has to keep up with technological innovations.
Interpersonal communication skills should go hand in hand with internal communication skills. This particular skill is needed to overcome the next decade’s market challenge. The reality is that we are all human, and therefore we should always set a development process for marketing skills. As a marketer, we must be aware of the changing factors in the international market”.
On the other hand, almost every manufacturer in Bangladesh produces the same product category that makes life-and-death competition to survive among themselves. So, Bangladesh should focus on product diversification in small phases to compete in local and international markets.
Current scenario of the RMG sector:
In this challenging time, the Bangladesh textile and apparel industry has stood up to the challenge and added new feathers to the current product portfolio. It is high time that decision-makers invest more in R&D for product diversification and to cope with upcoming buying trends. RMG manufacturers focus more on sportswear, active wear, and high-end goods.
Why is our Product and market diversification so limited?
-Growth focus needs to change from making conventional products in bulk.
-Work on the concept-to-delivery model
-The local skilled designer is missing in the process
-increase focus and training on making high SMV products example, women’s wear.
-Manual and Automation combination need investment here.
-Provide enough training in soft skills.
