The readymade garment (RMG) sector, the backbone of Bangladesh’s economy contributing 75-80 percent of total export earnings, has expanded its footprint beyond national borders, establishing a significant industrial cluster in Italy.
A burgeoning industrial hub has emerged near Naples, specifically in Palma Campania and surrounding areas, including San Gennaro Vesuviano, San Giuseppe Vesuviano, Poggiomarino, Terzigno, Saviano, and Ottaviano.
According to various reports, over 400 small and medium-sized RMG units are currently operational in these communes, where a substantial portion of the owners, managers, and workers are Bangladeshi.
Each of these enterprises employs between 10 and 100 workers. Factory owners in Palma Campania claim that more than 12,000 Bangladeshi workers are employed across these units, alongside Italian and other immigrant staff.
The production process involves a unique collaboration: Italian brands and fashion houses typically provide the designs, patterns, technical instructions, and raw materials.
Bangladeshi entrepreneurs and workers then execute the tailoring, finishing, and packaging.
This synergy transforms Italian raw materials into international-standard products through Bangladeshi skill and initiative, with the final goods sold in Italy, across the European Union, and globally.
This sector was built by the efforts of first-generation Bangladeshi migrants who adapted to local regulations and systems. Their perseverance and ambition have ensured the stability of this industry.
The impact of this success is twofold. In Italy, these units maintain local production flows, create employment, and ensure the country remains competitive in the global garment market.
For Bangladesh, the sector is equally significant; it provides employment for thousands of its citizens who send vital remittances home, bolstering national foreign exchange reserves.
Furthermore, the presence of Bangladeshi workers in these units has redefined their identity in the host country. When products crafted by Bangladeshi hands carry the “Made in Italy” label, they are viewed not just as commodities but as symbols of quality and craftsmanship. This has allowed Bangladeshis to evolve from mere labourers to entrepreneurs and partners within Italian society.
To further harness this potential, several recommendations have been proposed for Bangladeshi policymakers. These include the systematic collection of data regarding these successes to enhance the country’s image and professional standing in Italy. There is also a call for increased awareness among the diaspora to encourage more skilled employment.
The sources suggest that the Bangladesh government should consider a planned migration process for skilled and semi-skilled workers – specifically in tailoring, machine operation, and pattern-making – to meet the demands of Italy’s industrial economy.
ATM Rokebul Haque, the Bangladesh Ambassador to Italy, recently visited the RMG units in Palma Campania.
He noted that the experience there is more than just an economic success story; it reflects the resilience and industriousness of the Bangladeshi workforce.
The sources conclude that with proper recognition and support from the relevant ministries and business organisations like BGMEA, this sector could open new horizons for bilateral cooperation and further strengthen the economic ties between Bangladesh and Italy.
