BKMEA at a Glance

By the all out efforts of 18 knitwear manufacturers a body was formed in 1996 to represent the knitwear sector which is Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA). When the body was formed the volume of export was US$ 763.30 million (1996-97), now in 2005 (up to March 2005) this sector is the second largest export earner with a volume of US$ 2051.30 million. In terms of volume knitwear is the leading exporters with 87.40 million dozen exports (up to March 2005). In FY 2004-05 (up to March) the contribution of different sectors is as follows: Woven Garments 43.90%, Knitwear 33.64%, Jute & Jute Goods 3.79%, Frozen Food 2.73%, Leather 2.60%, Petroleum & Chemical Products 2.33%, others 11.01%.

BKMEA is run by a 27-member Board of Directors led by President. The Board of Directors is elected for a 2-year period. To run the association efficiently there is 21 different committees.

BKMEA was formed to address the following agenda:
	1.	Protect the interest of the sector.
	2.	Sectoral promotion & development
	3.	Market promotion & development
	4.	Capacity building of the sector
	5.	Enhance special compliance status
	6.	Basic rights education & awareness raising of the workers

BKMEA's services to the member units
	1.	Advisory services on market & promotion
	2.	Advisory services on social compliance
	3.	Advisory services on research & development
	4.	Arbitration
	5.	One stop service point regarding UD/UP
	6.	Other necessary services at the shortest possible time
	7.	Membership in 3 days

For more details on BKMEA visit their website.