100 Myanmar Garment Factories Fall Prey To Covid-19 Pandemic

Around 100 garment manufacturing factories have shutdown in Myanmar since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has resulted in export revenues from the sector dropping by about 40 percent.

“Out of the almost 700 apparel factories in Myanmar, around 50 closed down in the first wave of the pandemic and another 50 in the second wave,” Deputy Commerce Minister U Min Min said at a textile exhibition.

“A survey has revealed that revenues from the industry have reduced by 40 percent. But during the pandemic, China stood by us and supplied raw materials needed by the garment industry,” Min added.

“The Myanmar clothing sector has always supported the Myanmar economy, but is also an important industry which creates lots of jobs and thus helps in reducing poverty,” the minister stated.

The minister was of the opinion that efforts should be made to increase the country’s production of textiles and garments by increasing investments and strengthening supply chains.