RMG industry
BGMEA chief appraises US govt officials about the significant strides made by RMG industry
Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan has appraised the US government officials about the significant strides made by Bangladesh’s RMG industry over the last few years that has earned the sector global accolades as one of the safest industries in the world.
He also highlighted the apparel industry’s committed efforts in the area of environmental sustainability, saying Bangladesh has the highest number of green garment factories across the globe.
Read:BGMEA to participate in Apparel Sourcing Week 2022 in Bengaluru
The BGMEA chief also briefed them about of the remarkable progress in Bangladesh’s RMG industry in recent years especially in improving trade union activities, workplace safety, wages, skills development and labor welfare.
Margaret Scotti, Area Advisor for South Asia and Europe and Leena Z Khan, International Relations Officer at the U.S. Department of Labor on Wednesday met Faruque Hassan at the latter’s office and discussed the issues of mutual interest.
Scott A. Brandon, Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs and Md. Saifuzzaman Mehrab, Labor Assistant at the Embassy of the U.S.A. to Bangladesh were also present on the occasion.
BGMEA Directors Asif Ashraf, Abdullah Hil Rakib, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud also attended the meeting.
Read: Export earnings cross $50 billion riding on RMG
They had discussions about various issues pertaining to the RMG industry of Bangladesh including workplace safety, environmental sustainability, workers’ rights and well-being.
Faruque Hassan said the RMG industry is aligned with the government in implementing the road map developed by the government in collaboration with ILO to further improve in labor rights and welfare issues.
BGMEA hopes for continued support of German govt to RMG industry
A delegation of BGMEA headed by President Faruque Hassan met with Dominik Schnichels, Director General of the Trade Department at the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Change, in Germany on Thursday.
The delegation was accompanied by Ambassador of Bangladesh to Germany Md. Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan and Md. Saiful Islam, Commercial Counsellor of Bangladesh Embassy in Berlin, included BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Neela Hosna Ara and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud.
They had discussions about various issues related to Bangladesh’s RMG industry including the current situation, opportunities and strategies to face challenges and move forward.
The issue of LDC graduation, its implications on the economy of Bangladesh and preparedness to continue journey forward in the post-LDC era was also discussed in the meeting, according to BGMEA.
They also talked about the future priorities of the industry to retain its export competitiveness in the global market in the post-LDC era.
READ: BGMEA, Wazir Advisors to conduct study on capturing non-cotton market share
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan also apprised Dominik Schnichels of the RMG industry’s paradigm shift in the area of workplace safety and impressive strides in environmental sustainability.
He also briefed him about how the apparel industry of Bangladesh showed remarkable resilience during the Covid-19 pandemic and turned around from the fallout.
The BGMEA President extended sincere thanks to the German government for the cooperation and support extended to Bangladesh during the difficult time of the pandemic.
He expressed hope that German government’s friendly support for the betterment of Bangladesh RMG industry will continue in the coming days.
RMG industry continues strides in environmental sustainability
The RMG industry of Bangladesh is committed to continue its strides in the area of environmental sustainability in order to retain its fame as sustainable sourcing destination in the world, said BGMEA president Faruque Hassan. “We are now entering into such a regime where only economic value of a product will be not enough, the non-economic intrinsic value of product will also play a vital role,” he said. “Our industry is going green in aligned with the changing business landscape not only to remain competitive but also to contribute to minimizing the adverse impacts of production on the environment we live in,” he added. Also read: BGMEA claiming 100 percent salaries, bonuses paid to RMG workforce
He was speaking at an Iftar Mahfil organized by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) at Hotel Amari in Dhaka on Saturday. Around 75 LEED projects, which got certified after May 2019, were accorded appreciation while a special acknowledgment provided to around 30 LEED Platinum-certified projects in the event. BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Directors Inamul Haq Khan (Bablu), Md. Imranur Rahman and Neela Hosna Ara were present at the event. Also read:Speakers call for ensuring functional safety committees in RMG factories
Santanu Dutta Gupta, USGBC Faculty, Regional Head - Market Development GBCI – Eastern India, Bangladesh & Vietnam Markets attended the program.
LEEED consultants, LEED faculties, Green architects, and other stakeholders of USGBC were present also present. Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh is proud to have the highest number of green garment factories in the world with 160 LEED certified by USGBC, of which 48 are platinum, 98 are gold. The number of green garment factories in Bangladesh is on the rise. Being green makes it easier for the factories to comply many the strategic priorities of brands which mainly aim to reduce negative impacts of manufacturing on the environment, he said. Besides a green factory provides a good working environment with desired thermal comfort for workers, hygiene, mental peace, and well-being, he remarked. "We believe that sustainability is a continuous stride and we have to continue the marathon to take the industry to the level of excellence,” the BGMEA President said.
BGMEA for promoting RMG industry globally
Faruque Hassan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Sunday said Bangladesh’s RMG industry has made tremendous progress especially in the past decade, earning more trust and confidence of brands and buyers.
He said this when President and Group Managing Director of CEMS Global, Meherun N. Islam, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Gulshan.
Read:Repair roads in industrial areas, reduce traffic jam, BGMEA urges RHD
“Today our clothing factories are not only safer, but also have become more dynamic, modern, energy-efficient and environment-friendly. Bangladesh has by far the highest number of green garment factories in the world," he said.
The BGMEA chief said buyers and international stakeholders should be given opportunity to have first-hand experience of the excellence Bangladesh has achieved in the areas of workplace safety, environmental sustainability, ethical manufacturing.
They had discussions about how BGMEA and CEMS Global could collaborate to promote the apparel industry of Bangladesh at home and abroad, especially by organizing international exhibitions.
Read: Pre- budget discussion: BGMEA seeks existing tax facility for 5 more years
The international stakeholders also should be given opportunity witness the industry’s developments in terms of product diversification, skills development, technological upgrade, innovations in product development and process optimization, said the BGMEA chief.
Highlighting the need for organizing international expositions on Bangladesh’s garment industry, Faruque said when international stakeholders including buyers will come to Bangladesh and see the garment industry, their perception of what they heard or learnt earlier from others will change.
Labour orgs, BGMEA to work for greater interests of RMG industry
Leaders of BGMEA and labour rights organizations have expressed their firm willingness to continue collaboration and cooperation to maintain harmonious industrial relations for the greater interests of the RMG sector.They said years of hard work and dedication of both entrepreneurs and workers have brought the RMG industry of Bangladesh to a glorious position in the world.Maintaining sound relations between the employers and workers through effective engagement and discussions will help the apparel sector to carry forward its achievements and keep the growth momentum going, they opined.
READ: BGMEA urges consul general in Hong Kong to support buyers more
The observations came from a meeting held between the BGMEA leadership and labour leaders at BGMEA office in Uttara on Monday.In the meeting BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said while the apparel sector is yet to fully recover from the impacts of the Covid-19, the increase in prices of yarn, cotton, dyes, chemicals and other raw materials has pushed the production cost up.“But prices have not increased proportionately. Moreover, recent surge in Covid-19 infection in the world including some European countries has raised concerns.”
READ: BGMEA seeks Germany’s support to continue duty benefits in EUIn such a critical situation, we all have to work together and be united so that our apparel industry can face all the challenges and remain competitive in the global market,” the BGMEA President added.
Sustainable technologies: Brac, BGMEA to team up to support apparel factories
Brac has expressed interest in partnering with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to support the apparel factories in adopting sustainable technological solutions and with relevant knowledge.
A Brac delegation met BGMEA President Faruque Hassan Saturday. BGMEA Vice-President Shahidullah Azim also attended the meeting.
They discussed possible areas where the BGMEA and Brac could work together for the betterment of the readymade garments (RMG) industry.
Read: Apparel industry carrying 'Made in Bangladesh' mark across the world: BGMEA
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh's RMG industry has made considerable strides towards environmental sustainability and has continued its efforts in the area.
He called upon Brac to support garment factories, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in embracing technological solutions for cleaner production.
Read: Apparel makers urged not to take export orders without justified rate
The Brac delegation included Barrister SK Jenefa K Jabbar, director of human rights and legal aid services, social compliance and safeguarding at Brac; Md Zillur Rahman, programme head of Brac water, sanitation and hygiene programme; Khadiza Ahmed, senior manager, Mahjabeen Ahmed, manager, knowledge management, innovation and fundraising; Patrick Mostyn, programmes partnerships manager for Asia, Brac UK, and Coral Flemming, program partnership officer, Brac UK.
Apparel industry carrying 'Made in Bangladesh' mark across the world: BGMEA
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan Thursday said the readymade garments (RMG) industry is not only making a contribution to the socio-economic development of Bangladesh but also bringing glory to the nation.
"The apparel industry is carrying the 'Made in Bangladesh' trademark across the world and we are all proud of it. The industry belongs to all people of this country. The development of the sector means the development of Bangladesh and betterment of its people," he said.
The BGMEA chief said the next phase of Bangladesh's economic growth will largely depend on the industrial sector where the apparel industry will play a pivotal role. "So it is everyone's responsibility to protect the industry."
Read:BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh'
Faruque was speaking at the event "Sustainability of the Apparel Industry of Bangladesh: Policies, Scopes and Constraints" organised by Solidaridad Network Asia and ESTex Foundation at a city hotel.
The programme aimed to provide a platform to policymakers and sectoral stakeholders to highlight the policy gaps and needs and constraints and to explore new opportunities and initiate pathways for implementing solutions to the environmental, social, and economic issues to achieve sustainability of the apparel industry of Bangladesh.
Faruque called on brands and retailers to be rational in terms of pricing to make the supply chain resilient and sustainable.
Also read: BGMEA shares RMG success stories at IAF meeting
There is a sharp disconnect between sustainability and pricing mechanisms, and the factories are investing more in safety and sustainability, he said.
"Also, prices of yarn, chemicals and other raw materials in the global supply chain have pushed up production costs in garment manufacturing. But prices are not being offered in line with that. The gap needs to be closed," said the BGMEA chief.
Mohammad Hasan Arif, general manager of Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority, Selim Reza Hasan, country manager of Solidaridad Network Asia, Syed Naved Husain, group director of Beximco, and Dr Mohidus Samad Khan also attended the programme.
BGMEA seeks support of all to protect interests of RMG sector
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President has sought support from all the stakeholders to protect the interests of the RMG industry, especially at the present situation when the sector is passing a critical period.
“Support and cooperation of all including the government, entrepreneurs and workers are needed to protect the interests of RMG industry,” he said.
While the apparel sector is yet to fully recover from the impacts of the Covid-19, the hike in prices of yarn, cotton, dyes, chemicals and other raw materials has pushed the production cost up, said the BGMEA chief.
He made the remarks during a meeting with State Minister for Labour and Employment Begum Monnujan Sufian and Labour and Employment Secretary Md. Ehsan-E-Elahi held on Wednesday, said the BGMEA on Thursday.
Read:BGMEA for branding 'Made in Bangladesh'
He said the prices are not offered in accordance with the increased production costs. “Besides, the recent surge in Covid infection in some European countries has raised concerns among the exporters.”
“In such critical context, we all have to work together so that our apparel industry can face all the challenges and remain competitive in the global market,” said the BGMEA chief.
Former BGMEA Presidents Md. Shafiul Islam (Mohiuddin) MP, Abdus Salam Murshedy MP and Md. Siddiqur Rahman, incumbent BGMEA Senior Vice President SM Mannan (Kochi), Vice President (Finance) Khandoker Rafiqul Islam, Directors Abdullah Hil Rakib, Haroon Ar Rashid, Rajiv Chowdhury and former Director ANM Saifuddin were present at the meeting held at the residence of the State Minister.
Also read: BGMEA shares RMG success stories at IAF meeting
They had discussion on the overall situation of the ready-made garment industry, including its challenges and opportunities.
The BGMEA leaders thanked the government for providing support to the RMG industry during its difficult times.
Technology upgradation crucial for RMG industry to stay competitive: BGMEA
Technology upgradation in the apparel industry is crucial to remain competitive in the global market, said the apex trade body of Bangladesh's garments manufacturers.
"Use of modern technologies, tools and software are predominant when it comes to enhancing productivity and quality," Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan said while speaking at the webinar "AI & Robotics: Global Implication of Artificial Intelligence" Sunday.
Read: BGMEA wins 'WITSA Global ICT Excellence Award' for workers' biometric database
The webinar was organised as a part of the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT) – held during November 11-14 in Dhaka with the participation of experts from more than 75 countries.
Faruque said technological innovations are imperative not only to enhance competitiveness but also to make a business sustainable. "There is no alternative to technologies to ensure sustainable use of water, energy and other resources. Sustainability and digitalisation are interlinked and greatly complement each other."
Automation and technology upgradation will not impact employment adversely because all the processes required to make a garment cannot be replaced by machines, the BGMEA chief said.
"However, we should train our people with the right skills to operate new generation technologies. We need to turn the challenge into an opportunity through re-skilling and up-skilling."
Read:Post-LDC era: BGMEA seeks British lawmakers' support to retain market access
Ariyan M Kabir, co-founder and CEO of GrayMatter Robotics Inc, Professor Genci Capi of the Hosei University of Japan, and Dr Patrick Meier, co-founder and CEO of WeRobotics, also joined the discussion.
Lafifa Jamal, professor of robotics and mechatronics engineering at the University of Dhaka, moderated it.
BGMEA showcases RMG industry’s strides in sustainability in COP26
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has showcased RMG industry’s strides in sustainability in COP26.
The 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) began in Glasgow, Scotland on October 31.
A pavilion of Bangladesh was inaugurated in the official venue of COP26 on November 1.
BGMEA’s official delegation to the COP26 headed by its President Faruque Hassan attended the inaugural ceremony.
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam, MP was present at the inaugural ceremony, said BGMEA on Tuesday.
The BGMEA delegation also included Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Asif Ashraf and Abdullah Hil Rakib, and Shams Mahmud, Managing Director of Shasha Denims Ltd.
One of the objectives of BGMEA was to showcase all the good works of the RMG sector on sustainability and highlight green revolutions and commitments.
Read: BGMEA sees the future in value-added, high-end apparel items