Understanding the importance to work together for surviving in the quota-free era, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has offered a common platform with other related trade bodies and buyers through its interactive web portal.

Accepting the offer, Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) have assured the garment exporters of joining hands to face the post-MFA (Multifibre Arrangement) challenges.

The BGMEA website --www.bangladeshgarments.info -features information about garment manufacturers, service providers, backward linkage and forward linkage industries, buying house, shipping line, courier service, air-

lines and other related partners.

Addressing a function at a local hotel yesterday, BGMEA President Annisul Huq said the website when fully accomplished will help foreign buyers to choose the right producers and make order through his/her computer within very short time.

"If all stakeholders with detailed information can be accommodated in the website, it will play a significant role in quota-free era in retaining buyers and further expanding market," he said.

Speaking as chief guest, Vicechancellor of Brac University Jamilur Reza Choudhury said apparel, spinning and textile sectors must help each other to overcome the post-MFA challenges.

"BGMEA should take initiatives to popularise the website among buying houses and also with producers and stakeholders to derive maximum benefits. The exporters should adopt latest technology like

electronic fund transfer and electronic signature to retain buyers in the competitive market in quota-free era," the renowned IT personality suggested.

BTMA President MA Awal said all the trade bodies and related parties should share information through the website to help set business plans.

BKMEA President Md Fazlul Hoque said if small garment industries which are categorised as SMEs (small and medium enterprises) take facility of interacting directly with buyers through the website they can withstand the shock of quota-free era.

Officials of Datasoft, which developed the website, will approach all members of BGMEA, BKMEA, BTMA, buying houses, shipping line, express courier service, airlines and other related partners for their incorporation in the interactive website.