‘Data Universe’ of Bangladesh’s RMG Enterprises How to Meet the Data Gap?

Abstract

The lack of real-time data of readymade garment (RMG) enterprises fails to commensurate with the robust industrial growth of the sector over the decades. Most of the available public and private databases are not comprehensive and do not meet the data requirements. While initiatives have been taken to address the need for updated data, these customised databases may not be able to provide detailed data for the most important manufacturing sector of the country. This study aims to create a ‘data universe’ for the RMG sector of Bangladesh consisting of information on the RMG enterprises which are currently in operation. The study puts forward a set of recommendations on how to develop a comprehensive database for the RMG sector of Bangladesh. The data for this study has been compiled from various available sources including the internal databases of public and private organisations. Most datasets provide information about enterprises which are members of two major trade bodies of the RMG sector. Therefore, the data of enterprises that are not members of these trade bodies are partially reported in this data universe.