Mr. Mohammed Nasir
Chairperson, RTISC
The RMG & Textile sector is considered as the backbone of Bangladesh economy. During the last two decades, readymade garments (RMG) have contributed significantly to growth of Bangladesh economy. It has also become the major export earner of the country. Last year The RMG & Textile sector contributes 84% of the total export. To attain the $50 billion export target, the country must switch towards high value, skill intensive export items. According to the BIDS Report 2016, the RMG sector will demand 3.66 million skilled workers by 2021 and 5.3 million by 2026.
This endeavor may face a new challenge arising from the lack of supply of skilled workers. One of Bangladesh's main potential resources is considered as the Human Resource. But to adapt this population to a skilled workforce is still a challenge to us. The size of the skilled workforce is not nearly sufficient yet for any level of demand. The industry still lacks skilled manpower to cope up with the new area challenge & on other hand the young people are not well guided to sustain the competitive job market. So, to develop & implement an aggregate planning & the uniform collaboration among the stakeholders is necessary to suit the needs of the industry skill demand as well as enhance the quality of life for the people. So, we must focus on the recognition & promotion of the skill development ecosystem.
RMG ISC was formed in the year of 2010 as Sector Working Committee (SWC) with the support of Skills Development Project (SDP) funded by ADB and SDC. Later, it was renamed as RMG and Textile Industry Skills Council (RT-ISC) to make it in line with the nomenclature used in NSDP 2011.
RTISC comprising Seven highly representative associations in RMG and Textile sector named Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA),Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BKMEA), Bangladesh Textile Mills Association (BTMA), Bangladesh Terry Towel & Linen Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BTTLMEA), Bangladesh Garments Accessories & Packaging Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGAPMEA), Bangladesh Embroidery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BEMEA), Bangladesh Export Oriented Garments Washing Industries Owners Association (BEOGWIOA), Bangladesh Labour Federation (BLF). RT-ISC registered under Companies Act is hopeful of addressing the issues for TVET, competency-based training, develop and monitor skills development policies and practices, improve productivity, develop and review skills standards and enhance the welfare of employees.
Ultimately functions related to standard, assessment and certification have to be entrusted with the ISCs. RTISC hopes to work as an effective bridge between the Government and the RMG and Textile Industry with guidance from NSDA and in direct partnership with public authorities like DTE, BMET and BTEB.