Huawei is One of the leading global providers of information and communications technology (ICT), solar tech, infrastructure and smart devices. Huawei Technologies (Bangladesh) Limited has been working in Bangladesh for the last 24 years. Huawei’s efforts in the solar energy sector are aligned with the Bangladeshi government’s goal of increasing renewable energy sources to meet the country’s growing energy demands. With its advanced technology and expertise, Huawei is well-positioned to contribute to the growth and development of the solar energy sector in Bangladesh. Liang Weixing (Jack), Director, South Asia Digital Power Business Dept, Huawei South Asia Rep Office, shared valuable insights with Textile Focus regarding the Bangladesh market, the renewable energy sector, Huawei’s mission, and other crucial topics in a recent conversation.
Textile Focus: Could you please share with us the recent scenario of the Textile and Apparel Industry in Bangladesh?
Liang Weixing: The textile and Apparel Industry has become very important for Bangladesh since it ensures 5% of the total national income, compiling 20% of the country’s GDP. This sector supports the earning of around 12 million people. And considering the situation, the Bangladesh government has been enthusiastic about this sector for years. As a result, this country has turned out as the world’s 2nd top apparel exporter.
However, an abrupt rise in the price of fuel for power generation and transportation; and the instability of the exchange rate have become a challenge for this promising industry. According to the Export Promotion Bureau, Bangladesh’s RMG exports fell 7.52 per cent in September 2022 for the first time in 13 months, with exporters and experts predicting a further decline due to production disruption.
On the other hand, the recent hike in fuel is also increasing production and manufacturing costs. So, overall, the current scenario does not look all that favourable.
Textile Focus: As a leading global ICT infrastructure and solution provider, what are the operational aspects of Huawei, especially in Bangladesh’s textile sector?
Liang Weixing: Huawei’s mission is to bring digital to every person, home and organization for a fully connected, intelligent world. Staying true to this philosophy, Huawei has brought integrated solutions across four key domains – telecom networks, ICT solutions and products, smart devices, and cloud services for the country’s people and industry, including Bangladesh’s textile sector. We have our partner Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system Yonyou Suite and SAP S/4 HANA on Huawei Cloud those can enable a smooth material flow from yarn to finished goods and track inventory at every stage. Huawei has also brought data analytics as a determining factor to drive employee productivity. Along with numerous other initiatives, we also have Cloud services that meet myriads of digital needs, with many leading local and multinational companies also benefiting from the cloud service.
Side by side, we also have Huawei Digital Power, through which we are providing smart solar solutions in the commercial, industrial, utility, and residential sectors to decrease the dependency on electricity produced using gas and diesel. These solutions can be fantastic for the garments industry of Bangladesh.
Textile Focus: As you are a solar power solution provider, how do you see the Bangladesh renewable energy market?
Liang Weixing: The energy crisis is a global issue. The world is in the middle of an energy crisis of unprecedented depth and complexity. The only way to be sustainable is by being self-efficient and ensuring renewable energy transitions. In times of growing population, continuous economic and technological advancement, and crises, renewable energy sources like solar power can be our true savior. Solar energy presents an incredible prospect in the country’s renewable energy market in Bangladesh. This type of energy is the single most dependable renewable energy resource that can be resourced on a large scale. This expectation is already turning out true with local and foreign investments happening in grid-tied utility-scale solar parks and industrial rooftop projects. Remaining in line with this deep interest in utilizing the power of solar energy, Huawei has brought Smart Solar Solutions with intelligent technologies to Bangladesh Market. In fact, we have already developed many industrial and government solar projects successfully. Huawei has received a great response from the market so far; there is a massive demand for solar energy from residential as well. This goes to show that the country holds immense potential when it comes to solar energy, and Huawei is ready to serve that.
Textile Focus: How is Huawei Technologies willing to support the RMG sector in renewable energy?
Liang Weixing: As an ICT solution and service provider, Huawei always wants to empower society and industry with its products and services. That’s why we have been providing solutions to telecom, medical, health, transport and a lot of sectors. In our all sectors, we prioritize three key factors– Innovative and Smart solutions, Dedicated Service, and a Supportive Ecosystem. Focusing on all these concepts, we always strive to bring cutting-edge technology to the customers and industry. Our solar inverters have some effective features that can increase the user experience significantly. For example, our inverter is a touch-free, fully sealed very compact device with an auto cooling system. Its Arc-Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), Smart String-Level Disconnector (SSLD) Feature, and AI Boost auto inspection system allow it to detect any spark or circuit breaking problem and immediately shut down the plan to avoid any kind of fire hazard. With the C&I tailored modality this arch-detecting capability has been increased by 150% more than the others. Huawei inverter has Smart IV Diagnosis that can ensure 100% Inspection online. On the other hand, a high-efficient Potential Induced Degradation (PID) system can save the time and cost of daily operations. On the other hand, our large Bangladesh team of solar power solutions will ensure a one-stop solution for the customers as well.
Not only that but we have also been focused on building the ecosystem. Huawei & BGMEA have already signed an MOU to facilitate BGMEA enlisted factories to establish solar power plants under three different beneficiary models. Where Huawei provide technical support. In the OPEX model, factory owners will be able to enjoy less tariff rate than grid electricity. On the other hand, under the CAPEX model (1), the Factory owner will make a long-term payment agreement with the Investor. After payment is completed, the Solar Project system belongs to the factory owner. There will also be another arrangement (CAPEX model 2), where factory owners will invest by themselves to set up a rooftop solar system and can save electricity consumption by using solar energy. In both cases, BGMEA will regulate the processes and bridge the communication between Huawei and the factories.
I believe, the RMG sector of Bangladesh can be greatly benefited by saving capex, opex and time with Huawei renewable energy solutions.
