The new strategy and measures taken show that Bangladesh is on track to sustainably achieve its goals. Bangladesh has undergone a remarkable development over recent decades. The annual growth rate is approximately 6%. Today, Bangladesh is the world's second-largest exporter of clothing after China. With its textile strongholds around Dhaka and Chittagong, Bangladesh exports goods worth over 25 billion US dollars worldwide each year.

Approximately 4.5 million residents of Bangladesh work in the textile sector. Taking into account the upstream as well as the downstream processes, the textile industry forms the livelihood of 20 million employees. It is obvious that this branch of industry is essential for the country with a total workforce of 79 million people.

With a share of 80% of all exports, the textile sector is also by far the most important export industry of Bangladesh, and 75% of it are covered by the five major product categories: T-shirts, pants, sweaters, woven shirts and knitted shirts, which are sent primarily to large retail chains in Europe and the US.

Over the past 35 years, Bangladesh has generated around 25 billion US dollars annually in the apparel sector. For the next five years, double that figure is planned – a huge challenge for all involved.

Read more in the printed issue of textile network 1-2 2017 (published on 27th January 2017)