Notwithstanding the Covid 19 pandemic, Bangladesh has increased its apparel exports to the US. In a major development, Bangladesh has overtaken China in terms of growth in apparel exports to the US in the first 10 months of this year, Dhaka Tribune reported. Besides China, Dhaka has also surpassed Vietnam and Indonesia. While Bangladesh’s exports rose by 27 per cent, China’s grew by 25 per cent.

According to the news organisation, an Otexa report has revealed that uninterrupted production has enabled Bangladesh to take lead amid many US buyers shifting their orders away from the Southeast Asian countries due to their production disruptions.

“With the reboot of economic activities in the US after the pandemic situation turned the corner, Americans have started releasing pent-up demand, especially for clothing and footwear,” the report said.

Also read: Bangladeshi women –the driving force behind Dhaka's economic turnaround

Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry has not only contributed in the overall growth story but has also created four million jobs, majority of whom are women.

Meanwhile, the World Bank said that improving the manufacturing sector’s productivity will be crucial for Bangladesh, as it is now gearing up to exit the list of least developed countries (LDC).

In 2010, women comprised about 25 per cent of the total workforce.

In 2018, a report by the Daily Star noted that the garment industry has been one of the key reasons for the increased female participation.