RMG
Refrain from programmes which hamper country, economy: BGMEA President
President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan on Friday requested the concerned parties to refrain from such programmes which will hit the country and its economy.
He said they came to know that some organisations announced to observe a labour strike in the apparel sector from January 1 which is unexpected, the BGMEA in a statement said on Friday.
“Such a programme is never favourable, rather we think it is an attempt to destabilise the industry. When we are going through a difficult situation in the national and international arena,” he said.
The BGMEA president said if any programme is observed in the name of strike it will hamper the country’s economy and give a negative message about the industry in the world and create confusion among the buyers, which is not desirable at all.
Addressing the current export picture of the country, Faruque said garment exports from Bangladesh to major markets declined in the first 10 months of this year.
In the first 10 months of the year, US’s apparel imports from all over the world fell by 22.71 percent in dollar value and 23.80 percent in volume, he said, adding that the import from Bangladesh to the US also decreased by 24.75 percent in dollar value and 29.51 percent in volume.
At the same time, the import from Bangladesh to the European Union in terms of dollar value decreased by 17.32 percent and by 17.13 percent in volume, he said.
So the pace of global apparel imports has slowed down and the unit price of apparel has also decreased in 2023 compared to 2022, the BGMEA president said.
In this context, there is an apprehension that the global apparel trade in 2023 will be less than in 2022, he added.
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Sustainable fashion: Bangladesh's RMG sector leads with 24 new LEED green factories in 2023
In 2023, Bangladesh's readymade garment (RMG) industry marked a significant stride in sustainable fashion, with 24 of its factories achieving LEED certification.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design), the globally recognized green building rating system, underscores a commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.
This recent certification brings Bangladesh's total to 206 LEED-certified green factories, a testament to the country's dedication to green initiatives within the garments sector, according to BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel.
The BGMEA (Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association) reports a breakdown of these certifications, with 76 achieving the highest, platinum rating, and 116 receiving a gold rating.
This progress is particularly notable in the context of the global apparel industry's increasing focus on sustainable practices.
Also read: Bangladesh now boasts 206 LEED-certified green factories: BGMEA
Of the 24 newly LEED-certified factories, a majority, 16, were awarded the prestigious platinum rating, while the remaining 8 achieved a gold rating.
Standout performers in 2023 included S. M. Sourcing with 106 points and Green Textiles Limited Unit 4 scoring 104 points. Also noteworthy are Integra Dresses and Knit Asia Limited, both achieving 99 points, Lida Textile & Dying Limited with 97 points, and Liz Fashion Industry Limited scoring 96 points, as detailed by BGMEA.
This achievement positions Bangladesh as a leader in the global sustainable fashion movement, with 54 out of the 100 LEED-certified green factories worldwide located in the country.
This includes 9 of the top 10, and 18 of the top 20 LEED-certified factories globally, according to BGMEA data.
Mohiuddin Rubel, director at BGMEA, highlights this as a potential catalyst for increased investment and partnership opportunities in the Bangladesh RMG industry.
Also read: Milestone for RMG as Bangladesh becomes top source of Knitwear into EU market
The geographic spread of these certifications within Bangladesh further illustrates the RMG industry's widespread commitment to sustainability.
The majority of the 2023 certifications were in Gazipur (15 factories), followed by Dhaka (4), Chattogram (3), and Mymensingh (2). This regional distribution indicates a nationwide embrace of LEED principles in the Bangladesh garments sector.
Currently, over 500 Bangladeshi factories are in the process of obtaining their LEED certification, signaling a robust and ongoing commitment to green practices in the Bangladesh RMG industry.
This move towards sustainable fashion not only aligns with global environmental goals but also positions Bangladesh as a forward-thinking leader in the green manufacturing space.
The significant increase in LEED-certified green factories within Bangladesh's RMG sector in 2023 is a clear indicator of the industry's commitment to sustainable fashion.
With the Bangladesh garments industry taking proactive steps to achieve LEED ratings, it sets a benchmark for environmental stewardship and positions the country as a key player in the global push for more sustainable manufacturing practices.
Also read: Environment-friendly factories, circular economy key to sustainable growth in RMG sector: Speakers
BGMEA’s maiden Career Summit & Fest 2023 begins
The two-day long BGMEA Career Summit & Fest 2023, organized by the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers & Exporters Association (BGMEA) for the first time, began with great enthusiasm on Saturday.
The event supported by BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), is being held at the BGMEA Complex in the capital’s Uttara.
Faruque Hassan, president of BGMEA, inaugurated the career summit as the chief guest.
The inaugural ceremony was addressed by Prof. Dr. S. M. Mahfuzur Rahman, Vice Chancellor of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT), Asif Ashraf, Director, BGMEA, Shafiur Rahman, Regional Operations Manager, G-Star RAW, and Md. Shafiqur Rahman, President of the Institution of Textile Engineers and Technologists.
Shahidullah Azim, Vice President of BGMEA gave the welcome speech at the inaugural ceremony while Abdullah Hil Rakib, Director, BGMEA moderated the event.
BGMEA Director Neela Hosna Ara was also present at the program.
The speakers shared their valuable insights and experiences with the graduates present at the event.
More than 100 leading ready-made garment companies are actively participating in the BGMEA Career Summit & Fest.
Hundreds of graduates and students from various universities, including BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology, Asian University for Women, Bangladesh University of Textiles, and Shanto Mariam University of Creative Technology, visited the event to explore opportunities offered by the participating garment companies.
The summit also featured sessions where industry experts shared their valuable insight into the career prospects in the RMG industry and how graduates could build their career in the sector.
The career summit not only provides a platform for networking and exploration but also allows job aspirants to submit their CVs directly to BGMEA. These resumes will be shared with member factories for potential recruitment, offering a direct avenue for job seekers to connect with potential employers.
Environment-friendly factories, circular economy key to sustainable growth in RMG sector: Speakers
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Director Vidiya Amrit Khan has said recycling has always been a part of Bangladesh in a non-systematic and informal way as hand-me-downs or passed on to plastic handlers and fabric segregators.
“We need detailed waste management policy at local, national and international level,” Vidiya Amrit said while speaking at a dialogue titled ‘Circularity, de-carbonization, and competitiveness in Bangladesh’s apparel sector’ held at a hotel in Dhaka on Tuesday night.
Dr. M Masrur Reaz, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, moderated the dialogue.
BGMEA President calls upon Carrefour to buy more high-value garments from Bangladesh
LightCastle Partners, a prominent management consulting firm, and Policy Exchange Bangladesh, jointly organized the dialogue that highlighted a number of challenges such as the banks and financial institutions’ lack of meeting 5% ‘green loan’ target.
Other challenges in the sector include attracting the right investments, financial problems for establishing solar factories, the inability of most organizations regarding repayment of loans, and not easy access to loans for small and medium-level organizations.
About 84% of Bangladesh’s export earnings come from this sector. If a circular economy is adopted, Bangladesh may benefit economically, the speakers observed.
While presenting for a deep dive workshop, Mrinmoy Sobhan, Business Consultant at LightCastle Partners, said that the use of garment products is expected to reach 102 billion items across the world by 2030. “It may increase the emission of greenhouse gases by up to 50%. Bangladesh’s apparel sector produces about 5.77 lakh tonnes of textile waste in a year. “
BGMEA president, Li and Fung chairman discuss collaboration for RMG industry’s development
Md. Ariful Hoque, Director General of Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), said recycled products also need to have enough competitive edge, otherwise consumers will not accept them, according to a media release.
According to the latest report of BGMEA, there are over 200 industry-friendly apparel factories in the country. It is imperative to give attention to the issue of reuse of textile wastage for reducing carbon footprint.
Fazlee Shamim Ehsan, Vice President of Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), Abdullah Hil Rakib, Managing Director of Team Group, Dr. Zaki Uz Zaman, Bangladesh Country Representative of the United Nations Development Organization (UNIDO), Kazi Faisal Bin Seraj, Country Representative of the Asia Foundation, among others, spoke.
On behalf of LightCastle Partners, its Co-founder and Director Zahedul Amin, Business Consultant Samiha Anwar, and other officials spoke.
BGMEA, H&M Group discuss collaboration to further strengthen partnership with Bangladesh
According to a report by Denmark-based Fashion Partnership Organization, 2019, Bangladesh exports 60% of its textile wastage annually. But Bangladesh can reduce its 15% demand of total cotton import by reusing its wastage cotton, said a media release.
At the same time, the demand for water in its textile industry will increase threefold compared to its internal demand by 2030. Under the circumstances, it is imperative to ensure the growth of the circular economy for sustainable development in the apparel sector.
While presenting the keynote paper at the dialogue, Faisal Rabbi, Stakeholder Engagement & Public Affairs Manager, H&M, said 60% of our GHG emission is coming from production countries, to achieve our net zero target by 2040 the GHG reduction must happen in production countries like Bangladesh.
The Bangladesh government and the industry here need to align with the goals of fashion brands as they are not just goals set by the brands but a legal requirement for market access going forward.
BGMEA President calls upon Carrefour to buy more high-value garments from Bangladesh
Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has called upon Carrefour, one of the largest retail chain in Europe to buy more high value garments from Bangladesh.
He made call during a meeting with with Jean Daniel Gatignol, managing director of Global Sourcing at Carrefour and Alexia Bonnet, Global Sourcing director, in Hong Kong.
Also read: BGMEA, HKRITA discuss collaborative opportunities to boost Bangladesh’s garment industry capacity
Azfar Hassan, Director of Giant Group, was also present at the meeting held on December 14.
Discussions centered on various issues within Bangladesh's readymade garment industry, with focus on advancements in environmental sustainability practices and enhanced manufacturing capabilities for high-end garments.
The meeting delved into the prospect of collaboration between Carrefour and BGMEA to provide support to Bangladesh’s RMG industry, offering knowledge, skills, and technical expertise to navigate future challenges and enhance competitiveness.
Also read: BGMEA president, Li and Fung chairman discuss collaboration for RMG industry’s development
They also discussed how Carrefour could strengthen its partnership with Bangladeshi suppliers and collaboration with BGMEA, focusing on the design development of high-value products and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives in Bangladesh.
They highlighted the potential for increased apparel sourcing from Bangladesh, with BGMEA President Faruque Hassan urging Carrefour to consider expanding its sourcing not only for garments but also for various other items from Bangladesh.
France-based Carrefour is the largest retail chains in Europe.
Also read: Bangladesh now boasts 206 LEED-certified green factories: BGMEA
BGMEA president, Li and Fung chairman discuss collaboration for RMG industry’s development
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has discussed collaboration for the RMG industry’s development with Li and Fung Executive Chairman Spencer Fung.
Faruque discussed the matter at a meeting with Fung, Li, and Fung CEO Deepika Rana in Hong Kong on December 13, according to a press release.
Azfar Hassan, director of Giant Group, who was also present at the meeting, focused on fostering collaboration and discussing important trade-related matters within the apparel industry of Bangladesh, it said.
The discussions ranged from the current state of the global apparel industry to the potential prospects for Bangladesh, along with Li and Fung's strategic plans for business expansion within the country.
Among the key points discussed was the exploration of avenues for collaboration between Li and Fung, and BGMEA to unlock opportunities for the Bangladesh apparel industry.
They also discussed potential partnerships and strategies to tap into the industry's untapped potential.
Their talks encompassed the possible collaboration between Li and Fung and the BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) to enhance the knowledge and skills of students, particularly in areas such as product and design development and the latest manufacturing technologies, the release also said.
At the meeting, the BGMEA president urged Li and Fung to consider increasing garment sourcing, especially value-added products from Bangladesh.
In his remarks, Spencer Fung commended the pivotal role played by BGMEA in advancing Bangladesh's garment industry. He specifically highlighted BGMEA's contributions to market promotion and branding through apparel diplomacy.
Expressing optimism about the global market opportunities for Bangladesh's apparel industry, Spencer encouraged the sector to actively adapt to changing market dynamics.
He also suggested that Bangladesh could consider manufacturing hard goods for exports, the release also said.
Both parties expressed their interest in forging a mutually beneficial partnership for the growth and development of the apparel industry in Bangladesh.
BGMEA, H&M Group discuss collaboration to further strengthen partnership with Bangladesh
Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called on H&M, a global fashion retailer, to increase its sourcing of garments, especially high-value products and those made from man-made fibers, from Bangladesh.
Highlighting Bangladesh's focus on innovation, technological advancements, environmental sustainability, and skill development within the apparel industry, he also urged the global fashion retailer to strengthen its partnership with Bangladeshi suppliers for further business expansion, according to a press release.
Also read: No legitimate grounds to warrant economic sanctions against Bangladesh: BGMEA
The BGMEA president held a meeting with Karin Lind, global head of sourcing, and Fredrik Kragh Myllenberg, head of Controlling Global Production, from H&M Group, a leading global fashion retailer.
The meeting, held in Hong Kong on December 11, focused on fostering a long-term partnership, expanding H&M's business in Bangladesh, and jointly driving sustainability initiatives within the garment industry.
The meeting was also attended by Azfar Hassan, director of Giant Group.
Also read: Strengthened Bangladesh-US collaboration holds promising trade opportunities: BGMEA President
Both sides highlighted the ongoing collaboration between H&M Group and BGMEA to achieve shared sustainability goals in the garment sector, particularly the transition towards a circular and climate-neutral garment industry in Bangladesh.
Faruque Hassan extended gratitude to H&M Group for their support to Bangladeshi suppliers in implementing the recently announced minimum wage by adjusting prices on their orders.
He also thanked H&M Group for its pledge to invest in renewable energy in Bangladesh, aligning with global efforts to reduce emissions.
In a announcement at COP28, global fashion retailers H&M Group and Bestseller pledged to invest in a 500MW offshore wind power project in Bangladesh. Developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), the project is expected to reduce emissions by approximately 725,000 tonnes annually.
As Bangladesh aims to move up the value chain by diversifying into high-value products and upgrading technologies, he requested H&M Group to collaborate with their suppliers on developing high-end apparels.
Also read: BGMEA says it doesn’t support clause only applicable to Bangladesh in LC from buyers
BGMEA President calls for collaborative efforts to navigate challenges in RMG industry
Faruque Hassan, president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), has sought the support and cooperation of all stakeholders to overcome the challenges being faced by the readymade garment industry.
The garment industry of Bangladesh is passing a trying time and needs close cooperation and concerted efforts of all players from their respective positions to stay on course, he said.
Also read: BGMEA calls for speeding up customs clearance for RMG sector
Collective efforts and shared responsibility are essential to overcome the challenges posed by the current global economic landscape and create a brighter future of the industry, he said.
He made the call while exchanging views with stakeholders of the RMG industry at the BGMEA office in Chattogram on December 5, according to a press release.
BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Senior Vice President S. M. Mannan (Kochi), Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, former First Vice Presidents S. M. Abu Tayeb and Nasir Uddin Chowdhury, Directors of BGMEA were present at the meeting.
Also read: BGMEA supports Simon Project for enhanced workers’ health data collection
President Faruque Hassan highlighted the profound impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the global economy and, subsequently, the challenges faced by the Bangladeshi garment industry.
"Given the importance of the RMG industry on the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh, all should join hands to drive the industry forward in a sustainable manner," he further remarked.
He expressed optimism that with the support of all, the RMG industry would overcome its current challenges and would emerge stronger, contributing more to the country’s economic prosperity.
Also read: BGMEA President calls upon Gloria Jeans to increase souring garments from Bangaladesh
Omar Hazzaz President, Chittagong Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman of Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association (BSAA); Khairul Alam (Suzan), Vice President of Bangladesh Freight Forwarders Association; A K M Akther Hossain, President of Chittagong Customs Clearing & Forwarding Agents Association; Mostafizur Rahman, Vice President, Bangladesh Inland Container Depots Association (BICDA); Enamul Hoque, representative of Bangladesh Container Shipping Association; Fazle Ekram Chowdhury, President of Berth Operator Owners Association; Lutmila Farid, Vice President of Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others, were present at the view exchange meeting.
BGMEA calls for speeding up customs clearance for RMG sector
The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has called for speeding up customs-related procedures more, particularly the faster clearance of export-import goods, to enhance the competitiveness of readymade garment industry.
A delegation of BGMEA led by President Faruque Hassan made the call during a meeting with Mohammad Fyzur Rahman, Commissioner of Custom House, Chattogram on December 5, according to a press release.
Also read: BGMEA supports Simon Project for enhanced workers’ health data collection
They had discussions about key concerns related to customs procedures that impact the RMG industry and ways to address them.
Present at the meeting were BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, former Director Anjan Shekhar Das, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammed Kamal Uddin, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on UD-Woven & Knit Md. Nurul Islam.
During the meeting, President Faruque Hassan underscored the importance of reducing lead time in the highly competitive global market, highlighting its critical role in maintaining the competitiveness in the fashion industry.
Also read: BGMEA President calls upon Gloria Jeans to increase souring garments from Bangaladesh
He urged Customs House to take immediate measures to ensure smoother and faster services, particularly in the clearance of export-import goods.
President Faruque Hassan also shed light on the challenges currently faced by the RMG industry amid the present global economic situation.
The Customs Commissioner listened to the concerns raised by the BGMEA leaders and assured that the Customs House would provide necessary support.
Also read: BGMEA chief for stepping up economic diplomacy to boost Bangladesh-US trade
BGMEA President calls upon Gloria Jeans to increase souring garments from Bangaladesh
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has called upon Gloria Jeans, a Russian high street retail giant, to consider expanding its sourcing of garments from Bangladesh, especially high-value and non-cotton items.
The BGMEA president made the call during a meeting with Moyeen Ahmed, regional general manager for Bangladesh and India at Gloria Jeans.
Also read: BGMEA provides financial support to family of deceased garment worker
The latter paid a courtesy visit to Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
During the meeting, they discussed various mutual interests, with a focus on strengthening the collaborative relationship between Gloria Jeans and the Bangladeshi garment industry.
Faruque Hassan provided an insightful overview of the initiatives of Bangladesh’s garment industry to enhance manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the production of high-end products such as manmade fiber and technical textile-based garments.
Also read: BGMEA chief for stepping up economic diplomacy to boost Bangladesh-US trade
He highlighted the ongoing efforts of BGMEA to promote eco-friendly processes and the adoption of a circular economy model in the RMG industry of Bangladesh.
Gloria Jeans, a prominent Russian high street retail giant, has been actively sourcing garments from Bangladesh.
Also read: LafargeHolcim and BGMEA sign Mou for sustainable waste management