Textile . manufacturers have demanded specific guidelines and immediate police supports from the government to set up backward linkages lor survival ol RMG sector in post-quota regime beyond 2004

They said establishment of backward linkage industries is possible within three years if it is made mandatory for banks and financial institutions to channel 30 per cent of their loans for backward linkage.

Leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters' Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Specialised Textile Mills and Powerloom.Association (BSTMPA) at a meeting Thursday made the demand and deplored absence of government's vision on policy for this vital sector.

They apprehended that it would be difficult for garment sector to survive after 2004 if speedy measures are not taken in this regard particularly in knit and weaving sector.

The meeting discussed the possibility of using the local fabric in the export-oriented garments specially the local pocketing cloth.