A high-level delegation comprising members of the Netherlands Parliament on Monday (Feb 27) held a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to discuss opportunities of increased collaboration to drive development of Bangladesh's RMG industry in a more sustainable way. The five-member delegation included Pim van Strien, MP; Alexander Hammelburg, MP; Mustafa Amhaouch, MP; Raymond de Roon, MP; and Stieneke van der Graaf, MP, said a press release.
Netherlands Ambassador to Bangladesh Anne van Leeuwen, Deputy Head of Mission Thijs Woudstra, BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali and First Secretary at the embassy Bas Blaauw were also present at the meeting.
They had discussions about potential areas of collaboration to support the industry especially in the areas of environmental sustainability - circular fashion, recycling, energy efficiency.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan gave the delegation an overview of the RMG industry including its progress in workplace safety as well as in social and environmental compliances.
He also apprised the Dutch parliamentarians of the sustainable strategic vision-2030 that aims to secure a sustainable and better future of Bangladesh's RMG industry.
In accordance with the renewed vision, the industry had been fulfilling social, ecological and community obligations while striving to remain economically viable through innovation, digitization, diversification and being more productive, he said.
Faruque Hassan thanked the Netherlands government for supporting the Textile Technology Business Center (TTBC) at BGMEA Complex, a one-stop resource center and knowledge hub for the textile industry.
He requested the Netherlands government through the visiting Parliament Members of the Netherlands to consider an extension of the transition period of GSP (EBA) from 3 years now to 6 years for ensuring smoother graduation.
He called on the Netherlands government to extend more support to the industry in terms of knowledge, technology and funds in becoming more energy and resource efficient, recycling and other environmental areas.
The BGMEA President also sought cooperation of the Netherlands in developing knowledge and skills of the students of BGMEA University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT) in textile, apparel, fashion, design and business through collaboration with leading Dutch fashion universities and institutes.
They expressed interest in working together for the betterment of the RMG industry and wellbeing of the workers.
