The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) invited the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan to its online Social Responsibility Committee Meeting.

This was the first of its kind invitation from the AAFA to the BGMEA, which signifies the strategic partnership and collaboration between the two organisations.

BGMEA President Thursday attended the panel "The Impact of Covid on Supply Chains – The Supplier Perspective."

Also read: BGMEA chief wants extension of Industrial Police zones

He discussed how Bangladesh and its apparel industry is doing in terms of exports and maintaining health protocols in this difficult time of Covid-19.

He raised issues that are pertinent to responsible business practices and socially responsible supply chains; for example, ethical sourcing and purchasing practices, particularly the worsening trend in import price, which is unjustifiable to the sustainability strides made by the manufacturers. 

He also flagged the issue of audit fatigue and the need for a unified code of conduct for social audits which will be beneficial for the buyers, manufacturers and workers at large.

Also read: RMG factories to remain open amid 'all-out' lockdown: BGMEA president

Faruque Hassan accentuated the importance of collaborative and strategic partnership between business to business and association to association to make businesses more complementary, resilient and sustainable.

He highlighted the prospects of the industry and the need for industry upgrading – particularly in the area of skills and efficiency enhancement; technological upgrading, and diversification of products (especially non-cotton) and welcomed US investments in these areas.