CPD organised a National Dialogue on "Surviving In a Quota Free World: Will Bangladesh Make it?", in collaboration with BGMEA and Citi Bank NA on 18 March, 2004 at the Sheraton Hotel Ball Room.

CPD Research Director Professor Mustafizur Rahman in his keynote presentation identified a number of items of apparels (at 10 digit disaggregated level) which  demonstrated competitive strength in the US Market. His analysis showed that Bangladesh continues to remain the "supplier of choice". Professor Rahman mentioned that reduction of lead time from 90-120 to 30-45 days will become a crucial factor of competitiveness in the Post-MFA US apparels market. Gaining economies of scale, establishment of backward linkage industry and horizontal investments in Apparel/Textile industries are likely to become crucial in terms of Bangladesh's market presence in the US. Professor Rahman also supported the establishment of Central Bonded Warehouse facilities to cut down the lead time.

In his speech, US Ambassador to Bangladesh, His Excellency Mr. Harry K Thomas Jr. said that Bangladesh has the capacity to withstand the quota free regime beginning on 1 January, 2005.

Speaking as the Chief Guest at the Dialogue, the Commerce Minister, Mr. Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury informed the audience that the Bangladesh government has already taken some steps in terms of preparing the country for the Post-MFA regime. He mentioned his government's recent initiatives to reduce port charges and interest rates and its continued efforts to broaden the export market. Regarding the issue of job losses in the aftermath of MFA Phase-out, the Minister was of the opinion that there will be no job losses once the quotas are phased-out; rather he thought that new employment opportunities will be generated. To support his argument he mentioned that in recent months the RMG sector has posted a 18% growth in volume.

Amongst others BGMEA President Mr. Anisul Haque, Citi BANK CEO Mr. Mamunur Rashid, Professor Abu Ahmed, leaders of Chambers, Trade Unions and trade bodies and grass root organisations took part in the deliberation.