We must move forward unitedly and reform BGMEA further to maintain this momentum

Sparrow Group is a leading name in Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garment (RMG) sector, known for its excellence in manufacturing and exporting high-quality apparel to global markets. Established with a vision of innovation and sustainability, Sparrow Group has become a trusted partner for renowned international brands by delivering exceptional products and ensuring ethical practices. The company’s strength lies in its state-of-the-art facilities, skilled workforce, and commitment to adopting advanced technologies. By focusing on product diversification and maintaining stringent quality standards, Sparrow Group has positioned itself as a pioneer in the competitive textile industry. Sustainability is at the heart of Sparrow Group’s operations, with a strong emphasis on environmentally friendly processes and social responsibility. Their dedication to efficiency and ethical practices makes them a vital contributor to the growth and success of Bangladesh’s garment sector.Recently, Shovon Islam, Managing Director of Sparrow Group conversed with Denim Focus and delivered this thought about RMG manufacturers hope for a better 2025. A brief discussion is given below for our readers-

Positive note for 2025:

We have started this new year on a positive note. Over the past six months, we faced challenges like labor unrest in Ashulia. However, despite these obstacles, our garment industry has achieved significant progress. Considering the calendar year, we see a growth rate of nearly 7%, with export earnings reaching $38.5 billion in 2023. From July to December alone, growth exceeded 13%. This growth is largely due to the contributions of our entrepreneurs and workers. We have increased productivity, diversified our products, and received strong global market support. Globally, our market presence has strengthened, especially as inflation in the U.S. has decreased, driving demand for garments and bringing more orders to Bangladesh.

However, we haven’t captured all potential orders due to labor unrest and governmental instability. If these issues were addressed, our growth could have been even higher. Nevertheless, the overall situation is favorable. The market for Bangladeshi garments in the U.S. is robust. Additionally, as signed by Donald Trump, China’s imposition of a 10% tariff has redirected many orders to Bangladesh. Vietnam is not currently a competitive alternative, as its capacity is maxed out. India is receiving some orders, but despite its textile production capabilities, it faces challenges with skilled labor in garment manufacturing. While India has seen 17% growth, its export earnings of $18 billion remain modest compared to ours. Bangladesh’s growth of nearly 13% on top of our already large volume is remarkable and encouraging.

Looking forward: We must move forward unitedly and reform BGMEA further to maintain this momentum. If we manage labor relations and buyer confidence effectively, we can leverage favorable market conditions and potentially exceed $15 billion in exports very soon. I am optimistic about 2025, provided we receive some policy support from the government. Despite having a 70-year-old textile industry, India emphasizes incentives and investments for growth. Similarly, if Bangladesh’s RMG sector receives targeted policy support, the return on investment through exports could be 10–15 times higher. I believe Bangladesh’s market growth could significantly accelerate by 2025 with minimal policy adjustments.”