Bangladeshi Textile & Clothing Industry

-Total woven and knitwear exports for July 2007 to June 2008 are valued at US$10.69bn

- Ready-made garment export target for June 2008 to July 2009 is projected at growing 15.5% to US$16.298bn, with a target of US$6.5bn for knitwear and US$5.68bn in woven goods

- Export targets are US$25bn a year by 2013.

-Major international buyers of Bangladeshi clothing include: H&M, Tesco, Zara, Marks & Spencer, Carrefour, Gap, Wal-Mart and JC Penney

- Number of Bangladeshi garment factories were 4,700 in 2007-2008

- Local brands include Artisti, Seal, Westex and Cat's Eye

- The cost of one dozen polo shirts produced in 2007 was 2007 it was US$37.95. By comparison, in Cambodia the same would cost US$48.69, or in India US$53.96

Major Challenges

- 25% shortage of skilled workers and middle management

- worker unrest and strikes over poor pay and conditions

- Energy shortage

- Poor infrastructure

Source: just-style