The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to support Bangladesh in promoting its trade interests in the US market. The two groups will explore opportunities and work together to increase trade access for Bangladesh, improve purchasing practices, build on the great work already done by the Bangladeshi industry on sustainability, and expand the strong partnership between the U.S. and Bangladeshi industry. AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar and BGMEA President Faruque Hassan shared the pen in Washington, D.C. during the annual AAFA Executive Summit which convenes the AAFA Board of Directors and industry leadership, said the BGMEA on Saturday. BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Abdullah HilRakib and Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Chairman of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud and Director of Mahmud Group Gazi Mahbubul Aalm were present at the meeting. Read: DCCI recommends corporate tax cut by 2.5% from 22.5 pc, tax free income limit 4 lakh  “Together, we aim to unlock potential of Bangladesh’s RMG sector by enhancing competiveness through building capacities and embracing innovations and technologies, and facilitating trade   access to the US market. We also aim to develop joint programs that train workers and mid- and top- management, explore new CSR initiatives to support the well-being of the workers and communities, and more,” said BGMEA President Faruque Hassan. AAFA’s comprehensive work ensures the continued success and growth of the global apparel and footwear industry, its suppliers, and its customers. With this in mind, agreements with strategic partners around the world help reduce trade barriers, encourage sharing of ESG best practices, and promote innovation on behalf of our members, said AAFA President and CEO Steve Lamar. “Today’s collaboration marks increased capacity building to support joint practices and trainings to advance supply chain sustainability, expand trade opportunities, improve the buyer-supplier partnership.”

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Faruque Hassan has urged the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) to promote Bangladesh as the safe and sustainable apparel-sourcing destination among its members. He also encouraged them to source more garments including non-cotton items from Bangladesh. Read:BGMEA, USGBC keen to promote green growth in Bangladesh BGMEA President Faruque Hassan and Vice President Miran Ali met with Stephen  Lamar, President and CEO of the AAFA in Washington recently and discussed the issues, said the BGMEA on Sunday. High officials of AAFA and other organizations were also present at the meeting. They had discussions on various issues including how to enhance cooperation between BGMEA and AAFA to deepen mutual business engagement and explore areas of further collaboration. BGMEA President Faruque Hassan highlighted the unprecedented strides made by Bangladesh's RMG industry over the years in safety, sustainability and social compliance, which have earned the sector global recognitions. A recent survey report by Hong Kong-based supply chain compliance solutions provider, QIMA, ranked Bangladesh’s garment industry second in “Ethical Manufacturing." Read: BGMEA, WRAP to join forces for Bangladesh's apparel market expansion Apart from ensuring workplace safety, Bangladesh is the home of the highest number of green garment factories in the world. The BGMEA chief highlighted the future prospects of the industry and stressed the importance of industry up-grading particularly in the areas of skills and efficiency enhancement, technological upgrading, and diversification of products, especially non-cotton. Faruque Hassan welcomed investments from AAFA members in these areas, particularly in non-cotton and technical textiles and high-end apparel items. He urged US brands and buyers to collaborate with their suppliers to build their capacities in manufacturing those apparel items which have demand in the US market. Diversification of products is very important to ensure sustained growth of Bangladesh’s apparel industry. Read: Remove derogatory comments about 'Made in Bangladesh' from French movie: BGMEA The BGMEA President also talked about how Bangladesh’s RMG industry has been able to turn around by addressing unprecedented challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that production costs have increased while price has witnessed fall in the US market. He urged for justified prices and sought the support of AAFA and their members to be more empathetic towards their supply chain partners to make the supply chain sustainable.  The AAFA expressed willingness in working closely with BGMEA to promote brand Bangladesh and business interests through their membership.