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.”