The Hindu : China using Bangladesh label for exports?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 31, 2003

International

International

China using Bangladesh label for exports?

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA Dec. 30. The Bangladesh Government has decided to change the process of its exports following `evidence' that some countries, including China, are selling readymade garments in the west under the `Made in Bangladesh' label.

The Commerce Ministry has said steps have been taken to identify the local export officials involved in the scam.

The Minister, Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, told journalists, "The allegation is true but we are trying to get further information."

He said they had found evidence that Chinese goods labelled as Bangladeshi products had been exported to western countries.

The exporters of readymade garments — who are the main foreign exchange earners — claimed that this was being done to exploit the duty-free market access given only to the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) by the European Union and Canada. "Although shipments are made from third countries, complete documentation is being done here, where local collaborators must have a role," the Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association said.

No assessment could be made yet on the extent of the scam, but exporters said it would be quite significant.

The scam was unearthed first when the Association delegation visited Canada.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

International

News Update

Stories in this Section

Musharraf all set to gain legitimacy as President

U.S. pressure behind Britain's move?

China reaffirms role in Iraq

China using Bangladesh label for exports?

Indian national convicted in Singapore