The export earning stood at $ 4.96 billion during the corresponding seven months of 2004-05 fiscal year, according to Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) statistics.

The knitwear export grew by 28.57 percent to fetch $ 2086.23 million, exceeding the growth target by 1.58 percent set for the first seven months of the current fiscal year.

However, the overall export target set for the July-January in FY '06 surpassed 0.09 percent. But the export target for the month of January in 2006 fell 2.63 percent, EBP statistics shows.

An official of the EPB said if the current trend continues export target for this fiscal year will be achieved.

He however said product diversification and maintaining international quality are key to boosting Bangladesh's export.

Woven garments continued to maintain positive growth in July-January period of the current fiscal year, fetching $ 2262.54 million.

The country earned $ 274.81million and $140.11million by exporting frozen foods and leather goods during the period, registering 0.80 percent and 11.89 percent growth.

EPB statistics shows the country earned $ 28.82 million by exporting textile fabrics during the period, registering the highest growth of 310.99 percent among the major export items.

Jute goods fell 8.77 percent short of target for July-January period but the export earnings from the sector were $ 208.19 million in July-January, an increase by 18.81 percent.

Agricultural products and raw jute exports fetched $ 58.27 million and $ 81.90 million during the period, showing a growth of 39.67 percent and 70.98 percent. Petroleum by-products and by-cycle exports also increased by 165.92 and 17.68percent.