Myanmar: Garment industry reportedly facing significant increase in orders shifted from Bangladesh due to its minimum wage increase & ongoing challenges
According to NP News, the garment industry is experiencing a significant increase in domestic orders compared to last year. This surge is attributed to ongoing challenges in Bangladesh.
Currently, clothing orders are abundant across the country. Depending on each company's performance until December, order volumes may vary slightly from one factory to another. Remarkably, orders are robust until December, with some extending into April. The order frequency varies—ranging from three-month intervals to once a year—based on brand affiliations and organizational dynamics.
The situation in Bangladesh, where labor demanded higher wages, has redirected orders to Myanmar. Fortunately, Myanmar currently faces fewer issues. However, there's a growing shortage of skilled workers due to people leaving their jobs under the military conscription law. To address this, factories provide training on modern machines, ensuring efficient production. Despite challenges, the garment industry remains resilient, with factories actively recruiting workers to meet demand.
For instance, one factory with 2,000 employees is urgently hiring again. The evolving landscape underscores the need for adaptability and skill development in garment manufacturing.
[Translation via Kyna Intel]