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Garment Export Trends in Europe: A Resilient Performance
Rtv News
24 Dec 2024, 11:59
Photo: Collected
Europe remains the largest destination for Bangladesh’s ready-made garments. Under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) scheme, Bangladesh benefits from duty-free access throughout Europe.
However, indirect and direct wars in Europe have led to persistent inflation in recent years, increasing living costs and reducing consumer spending. Despite these challenges, Bangladeshi garment exports to Europe have maintained a positive trajectory.
Positive Winds for Garment Exports in Europe
From January to October 2024, Bangladeshi garments worth $16.52 billion were exported to Europe, reflecting a modest growth of 1.43% compared to $16.28 billion in the same period last year. In contrast, China, the largest garment exporter to Europe, recorded a 1.14% growth, while Turkey, the third-largest exporter, experienced a 5.56% contraction in exports.
- China: $21.82 billion (up from $21.58 billion in 2023)
- Bangladesh: $16.52 billion (up from $16.28 billion in 2023)
- Turkey: $8.59 billion (down from $9.10 billion in 2023)
Post-Pandemic Recovery and War-Induced Challenges
Bangladeshi garment exports surged after the pandemic, but the Russia-Ukraine war disrupted this trend. High inflation in Europe caused living costs to rise, leading to reduced spending on clothing. However, inflation is stabilizing, and the market is showing signs of recovery. Despite this, domestic challenges such as high fuel prices and political instability have tested Bangladesh's resilience.
Missed Opportunities in European Markets
Industry leaders believe Bangladesh could have achieved greater success in Europe, given its garment industry's strengths and duty-free advantages. Mohiuddin Rubel, a former director of BGMEA, noted that Bangladesh's growth in Europe is modest compared to the typical 10-12% growth rate.
“Despite duty-free access, we’re not performing as expected. Europe should naturally remain our top market, but other countries are taking larger shares,” Rubel remarked.
Low-Priced Orders: A Competitive Necessity
Bangladesh is accepting lower-priced orders to stay competitive and fully utilize its production capacity. Rubel explained, “Global demand has dropped, and competition has increased. Our capacity remains unchanged, but buyers are importing less. In a free market, they aim to buy at the lowest price, and we’ve had to comply.”
This strategy has slightly constrained export income growth. However, industry stakeholders see this as a necessary measure to adapt to market realities.
Preparing for Future Challenges
Rubel stressed the importance of enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and boosting productivity to sustain profitability. He emphasized that merely pressuring buyers for higher prices isn’t a long-term solution. Instead, maintaining an ethical pricing standard and improving operational efficiency are critical.
Vietnam: A Growing Competitor
Vietnam, a significant rival, ranks sixth in Europe for garment exports. From January to October 2024, Vietnam achieved a growth rate of 3.31%, nearly double Bangladesh’s growth. However, Bangladesh’s total export volume of $16.52 billion far exceeds Vietnam’s $3.5 billion.
This disparity highlights the need for Bangladesh to remain vigilant, optimize efficiency, and sustain its position as a leading garment exporter to Europe.
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New Price of Gold Effective From Today
The Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) has reduced the price of gold in the country's market.
The organization has reduced the price of 22-carat gold by Tk1,890 per bhori and set the price of 22-carat gold per bhori at Tk1,40,376.
The new price will be effective from today (November 26), BAJUS said. The organization confirmed this information on Monday night (November 25).
The notification said that according to the new price, the price of 22-carat gold per bhori (11.664 grams) will be Tk1,40,376. In addition, the price of 21-carat gold per bhori has been set at Tk1,33,996, 18-carat gold per bhori at Tk1,14,855, and the price of traditional gold per bhori at Tk94,327.
In the notification, BAJUS further stated that the government-determined 5 percent VAT and BAJUS-determined minimum wage of 6 percent must be added to the selling price of gold. However, wages may vary depending on the design and quality of the jewellery.
Earlier, BAJUS last adjusted the price of gold in the domestic market on November 23. At that time, the organization had increased the price of 22-carat gold per bhori by Tk2,823 and set the price of 22-carat gold per bhori at Tk1,42,266. Apart from this, the price of 21-carat per bhori was set at Tk1,35,804, 18-carat per bhori at Tk1,16,395, and Tk95,645 per bhori of traditional gold, which came into effect from November 24. The price of gold also increased in the country on November 22 and 19 of this month. The price was reduced on November 14, 12, 7 and 4.
Gold prices also increased in the country on November 22 and 19 of this month. Apart from this, the price was reduced on November 14, 12, 7 and 4. In addition, the price of gold has been adjusted 53 times in the domestic market so far this year. Where the price has been increased 31 times, and reduced 22 times. In 2023, the gold price was adjusted 29 times.
Bangladesh, Australia Pledge Deeper Cooperation Across Key Sectors
Bangladesh and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties during the Fifth Senior Officials’ Talks, held on 26 November at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra. The discussions, led by Additional Foreign Secretary (Bilateral-East & West) Md. Nazrul Islam of Bangladesh and Sarah Storey, First Assistant Secretary, South and Central Asia Division at DFAT, covered a broad spectrum of issues, aiming to deepen cooperation in diverse areas.
The dialogue, conducted in a warm and constructive atmosphere, highlighted collaboration in development, regional security, civil maritime cooperation, and multilateral forums. High-level representatives from both countries participated, underscoring the importance of these discussions.
Bangladesh acknowledged Australia's longstanding support since its independence and sought further technical and expert assistance in agriculture, education, energy, the blue economy, and ICT. The Bangladeshi delegation also urged Australia to advocate for stronger international efforts to resolve the Rohingya crisis by applying collective political pressure on Myanmar.
The Australian delegation reiterated its support for Bangladesh’s interim government and sought enhanced cooperation to combat irregular migration, people smuggling, and transnational organized crime. Commending Bangladesh’s remarkable socio-economic progress, Australia expressed its interest in closer collaboration on shared priorities.
Climate Change and Regional Security Take Center Stage
Climate change featured prominently during the discussions. Australia acknowledged Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate impacts and pledged sustained support for its adaptation and resilience-building efforts.
Regional and global issues, including the Indo-Pacific outlook, counter-terrorism, and multilateral cooperation, were key points of focus. Both nations committed to working together to promote peace, security, and prosperity in the region.
Commitment to Future Engagements
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress of bilateral relations and identified new opportunities for collaboration. They emphasized the importance of regular high-level visits and exchanges to further strengthen the partnership.
The next round of Senior Officials’ Talks will be hosted by Bangladesh in Dhaka in 2025, marking another step forward in fostering deeper ties between the two nations.
Gold Prices Suddenly Volatile, Reason Revealed
There has been a sudden surge in the price of gold in the global market. Accordingly, the price of this precious metal can increase at any time in the domestic market.
On Friday (November 29), at around 5:15 pm, the price of gold per ounce was at $2,662.02 in the spot market. The price has increased by $21.18 per ounce or 0.79 percent in a day.
Analysts claim that the new devastating Russian missile attack in the Russia-Ukraine war and the allegations of ceasefire violations between the Israeli armed forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah have caused uncertainty among investors. Investors are choosing gold as a safe investment. Livemint reports.
Jatin Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities, said, 'There was significant volatility in the price of gold on Friday. Although the precious metal was initially low, the renewed tension in the Russia-Ukraine conflict has increased demand for gold as a safe-haven investment. Currently, immediate support is at $2,662 (a support level is a price at which demand for the metal is so strong that it resists a decline) and resistance is at $2,655 to $2,665. If the resistance is broken, the price of gold can reach $2,690. And if it falls below $2,620, the price can deteriorate to $2,580.'
Anuj Gupta, Head of Commodity and Currency, HDFC Securities, said regarding the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire violation, 'The demand for gold has increased again due to the allegations of ceasefire violations between Israel and Hezbollah along with the Russia-Ukraine war. Investors are currently looking at gold as a safe alternative.'
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Jewellers Association (BAJUS) increased the price of gold on Wednesday (November 27) evening and set a new price. According to the new price, the price of 22-carat gold will be Tk138,708. 21-carat gold will be Tk132,398 per bhori. 18-carat gold will be Tk113,491 per bhori. The price of gold per bhori according to the traditional method is Tk93,160.
The decision to increase or decrease the price of gold on behalf of BAJUS was taken by the BAJUS Standing Committee on Pricing and Price Monitoring Committee. A member of this committee said, 'The decision to increase or decrease the price of my gold is taken based on the international market as well as the local market. If the price of mature gold increases in the local market, it is natural to decide to increase the price. On the other hand, if the price of mature gold decreases, the decision to reduce the price is taken. The global market price picture affects the price of pure gold.'
Economy Starting to Stabilize: Financial Advisor
The interim government's financial advisor, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, said that the country's economy, which had started to deteriorate, has started to stabilize somewhat. At the same time, foreign exchange reserves are also increasing. Foreign partners are responding very positively in this regard.
He stated this at a trade conference organized by the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) at a hotel in the capital on Saturday (November 30).
At that time, Dr Salehuddin Ahmed also spoke about the irregularities and corruption of the previous government.
He said that the irregularities and corruption left by the previous government cannot be normalized in 2-4 months. However, no one will be able to launder money in the future.
Trade advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin, DCCI President Ashraf Ahmed, Association of Bankers Bangladesh Limited (ABB) Chairman Selim RF Hussain, Foreign Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) President Javed Akhtar and others were present at the time.
China Discovers World's Largest Gold Deposit Worth $83 Billion
A massive deposit of high-quality gold ore, containing an estimated 1,000 metric tons (1,100 US tons) of gold, has been uncovered in central China.
Valued at approximately 600 billion yuan or US$83 billion, the discovery could be considered the largest and most lucrative reservoir of gold ever uncovered, surpassing the 900 metric tons estimated to lie within the mother of all gold reserves, South Deep mine in South Africa, News Az reports, citing foreign media.
The Geological Bureau of Hunan Province announced the detection of 40 gold veins within a depth of 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) in the northeast Hunan county of Pingjiang.
These alone were thought to contain 300 metric tons of gold, with 3D modeling suggesting additional reserves may be found to a depth of 3 kilometers.
"Many drilled rock cores showed visible gold," says bureau prospector Chen Rulin.
Core samples suggest every metric ton of ore could contain as much as 138 grams (nearly 5 ounces) of gold – an extraordinary level of quality considering ore excavated from underground mines is considered high grade if it contains more than 8 grams.
China already dominates the world's gold market with reserves considered to be in excess of 2,000 tons earlier in 2024 with its mining industry contributing around 10 percent of the global output.
Announcements of the findings have contributed to a further increase in the already skyrocketing gold price as demands for the resource continue to rise amid global uncertainty.
Based on these latest findings, we might be far from exhausting economically viable reserves.
Core samples taken around the periphery of the Hunan site hint that the deposit may extend even further than initial predictions, making the reservoir beneath its soil a true dragon's haul.
It's been a notable year for gold discoveries.
In March, a treasure hunter in England found what was estimated to perhaps be the biggest gold nugget ever found in the country.
And just two months ago, research by scientists in Australia discovered a new mechanism that may lead to the formation of gold, suggesting the seismic activity of earthquakes actually plays a role in the creation of large nuggets.
But that's not all. In addition to learning more about how gold naturally forms, scientists are also investigating new things that can be done to manipulate the precious resource.
A study published in April reported the creation of a new kind of two-dimensional gold called 'goldene', measuring only a single layer of atoms in height, which has some interesting properties not seen in the three-dimensional form of gold.
While gold is an ancient metal that has been prized all throughout human history, there's clearly a lot we're still finding out about it.
Mati Ul Hasan: Mercantile Bank Appoints New MD
Mercantile Bank has appointed Mati Ul Hasan as managing director (MD) of the bank. Earlier he was the Additional Managing Director & Chief Risk Officer of the bank, according to a press statement.
Mercantile Bank PLC announced this in a press release on Saturday (November 30).
Mati Ul Hasan started his career as a probationary officer at IFIC Bank Limited in 1984. He held various positions in different branches, head office including the Branch in charge of the local office at Motijheel. He was posted at Branches of overseas operations in Pakistan in different important positions & at Nepal Bangladesh Bank (Joint venture of IFIC) as DMD.
Mati Ul Hasan joined Mercantile Bank as DMD in 2014. During his career, he has participated in various training programs on banking at home and abroad.
He also holds a Diploma in Banking from 'The Institute of Bankers, Bangladesh, and Associates of the Institute of Bankers, Pakistan.
White Paper: Report Finds Several Dominant Channels For Corruption
The White Paper Committee identified several dominant channels of corruption including banking loan scams, misappropriation of loans, and politically motivated unviable projects, appearing to be a wide-ranging and deep-rooted manifestation of corruption during the deposed Awami League regime.
The White Paper Committee head and Distinguished Fellow of the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Dr Debapriya Bhattacharya today (December 02) formally unveiled the report to the media exposing the dominant channels of corruption at the NEC conference room in the city's Sher-e-Bangla Nagar area.
Other members of the committee were present.
The dominant channels are described below which include banking loan scams, fraudulent practices in illusory bank loans, and misappropriation of loans.
Bank Takeover: Forced takeover of ownership of banks with the help of state machinery.
Illicit financial outflows: Ill-gotten money is laundered out of the country in large volume.
Politically Motivated Unviable Projects: Resources are wasted on unviable projects, prolonging timelines and inflation costs.
Inflated Project Costs: Systematic cost overestimation to siphon funds.
Project Cost Escalation Post-Approval: Costs are artificially escalated after project approval to divert funds.
Non-Competitive Tender Processes: Cronyism and favoritism dominate procurement, excluding qualified bidders.
Unnecessary or Poorly Designed Projects: Resources are wasted due to weak feasibility studies, prolonging timelines, and inflating costs.
Nepotism in Appointments: Project management, particularly Project Directors, is often appointed based on political connections rather than merit.
Illegal Land and Asset Acquisitions: Land and assets are seized or acquired through illegitimate means.
Misappropriation of Land Acquisition Funds: Politically weak landowners are coerced into unfair deals, and funds allocated for land acquisition are misused.
Awarding Overpriced Contracts: Contracts are often granted to politically connected contractors at inflated prices and given without competitive bidding.
Abuse of Project Resources: Misuse of vehicles, travel budgets, and other project resources for personal or political gain.
Bribery as a Standard Management Practice: Bribes are routinely exchanged to expedite processes or secure favors.
Misallocation of Public Funds: Funds intended for development are diverted to serve political and/or personal objectives by the leaders.
Tax Exemptions for Elites: Tax policies disproportionately benefit influential groups.
Distorted Supply Chains: Manipulated supply chains lead to unfair pricing and market inefficiencies.
Sharing Insider Information: Policy decisions are leaked to select groups for financial gain.
Collusive Corruption: Collaboration between public officials and private actors for mutual benefits.
Extortion-Based Corruption: Coercion is used to extract bribes or enforce unfair deals.
Monopolistic Corruption: Market conditions are manipulated to favor specific individuals or entities.
Pre-emptive Information Sharing Corruption: Early access to critical information is exploited for undue advantage.
Information Concealment Corruption: Withholding important information to mislead stakeholders.
Corruption by Inaction: Deliberate delays are used to create opportunities for rent-seeking.
Corruption for Career Advancement: Bribes and connections are leveraged to secure promotions or influential positions.
Commission-Sharing Corruption: High-level officials demand a share of commissions for approvals.
Corruption for Political Favour: Resources and decisions are manipulated to secure political allegiance or favor.
Legislative Manipulation Corruption: Laws and policies are tailored to serve vested interests.
The review of the White Paper puts the banking sector on top of the most corruption-ravaged sector, followed by physical infrastructure, and energy and power.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was also identified as one of the most corruption-affected sectors by its operational and technological novelty.
This non-exhaustive list of pervasive corrupt practices highlights the urgent need for systemic reforms and robust accountability mechanisms to restore governance integrity and economic resilience, the paper said.
Source: BSS
