The following is a round-up of apparel and footwear news from the world’s local media. just-style has not checked these stories so cannot guarantee their accuracy.

  • The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) chairman has urged the government to expedite refunds to the business community to improve their liquidity. He also urged them to come up with a “result-oriented long-term textile policy” along with a contingency plan to avoid a big exports loss to the country. PAKISTAN OBSERVER   
  • Hong Kong-based Prosperity Knitwear Myanmar has invested US$5.5m in setting up a garment factory at the former Thilawa industrial zone area in Myanmar. It plans to up the investment to up to $45m in 2015. The firm has investments in China, Hong Kong and Bangladesh. ELEVEN MYANMAR

  • Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed Textiles and Jute Ministry officials to reclaim the jute mills and industries from private entrepreneurs who failed to resume their operation as promised. These had been been sold or privatised during 2009-2013. She said that no state-owned industry will be leased out or sold going forward. YARNS AND FIBRES

  • Bangladesh-based BDL Group is to build a textile and garment factory in Ethiopia with an investment of over BDT765m (US$9.9m). The facility will be built on 68 hectares of land, launched within two months, and production will commence after nine months. ALL AFRICA

  • Russia and Bangladesh plan to boost mutual trade from $847m to $1bn over 12 months, Bangladesh’s Information Minister has said, adding that joint ventures could be set up in sectors such as ready-made clothes, textiles and leather. Bangladesh says it will not support sanctions against Russia. TASS NEWS AGENCY