G-Star RAW since 1989 missions is to create the denim classics of tomorrow through continuous innovation in design with respect for people & planet and in a transparent manner. Sustainable design innovation is a key part of that mission, to ensure that the denim of today, and of the future. Innovating for the future includes taking responsibility for the social and environmental impact of our products. Attention to sustainability starts at the design stage and continues throughout the entire manufacturing process. A short interview of Shafiur Rahman, Regional Operations Manager, Product Intelligence Centre Dhaka Bangladesh.
Country should think to export more fabric along with fulfilling local demand by reducing import dependency & increasing local production
– Shafiur Rahman, Regional Operations Manager, G-Star RAW, Product Intelligence Centre, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Denim Focus: How do you observe the textile industry worldwide?
Shafiur Rahman: Life is never easy during any pandemic situation, bumping journey for all and same for the global textile industry. As a basic need of human, textile demand will be always there. Overall demand will be steady in 2021 & may start growing from 2022. Natural sustainable fibers demand will be even higher than conventional fiber. COVID as a catalyst will help to reshape the industry & think differently – so blending of multi functioning sustainable product along with comfort will lead future textile business
Denim Focus: How do you feel about the textile industry of Bangladesh?
Shafiur Rahman: Localization of raw material to ensure the smooth supply chain is always preferred by all, also to reduce lead time as time is money. Localization of fabric also can help to execute fast track short lead-time orders which can help to increase global business share & cash flow. Huge gap between demand and supply are already showing the growth opportunity. Country should think to export more fabric along with fulfilling local demand by reducing import dependency & increasing local production.
Denim Focus: In which area we need to focus in the upcoming days?
Shafiur Rahman: Short-term planning & frequent strategy review to align with long-term goals can help to achieve better success as it may help to cross the zigzag road successfully. Value addition through innovation & right technological adaptation to reduce operations cost. Introducing apps linked ERP to monitor production, productivity & defects – smart data as big data with considering socio-economic factors
Denim Focus: Your observation about the overall Denim Industry?
Shafiur Rahman: Moving the industry toward producing safer, more sustainable products focusing on circularity.
Denim Focus: What is the prospect of Bangladesh Denim Industry?
Shafiur Rahman: Bangladesh Denim industry capabilities are huge which has not highlighted enough globally, better market trend/knowledge can help to grow further. To encash green manufacturing – constant learning opportunity, the scope of creativity & empowering middle management with regular training is essential for sustaining steady growth
Denim Focus: As a buyer what are your Suggestions for product diversification of the Bangladesh textile industry?
Shafiur Rahman: If we compare global market demand and what are producing today for all apparel product group – demand of more value-added product is higher, should produce a more premium quality product. Sometime, manufacturers should think about providing additional service to their customers like offering their own designed product, new quality fabric, new artwork for print/embroidery, new wash, etc which can be helpful for business sourcing diversifications
Team Denim Focus in a courtesy visit with Mr. Shafiur Rahman at G-Star RAW, Product Intelligence Centre, Dhaka, BangladeshDenim Focus: Any message for Denim Focus magazine and its readers?
Shafiur Rahman: It is an excellent initiative to start Denim Focus which will help all us to know the updated news and trends of denim. Special thanks to Mr. M A Islam Riyadh founder of Denim Focus. I am glad to be the part of starting journey & will wait to read the updates through Denim Focus.
