BGMEA President Faruque Hassan on Wednesday told a Canadian official that Bangladesh’s readymade garment industry has made remarkable progress in workplace safety, workers’ rights and environmental sustainability despite global challenges for the country’s main export sector.
He made the points while meeting Rakesk Patry, Director General of International and Intergovernmental Labour Affairs of Canada, in Dhaka.
Both the officials also discussed the implications of Bangladesh's LDC graduation on its trade and the economy as well as the readiness to maintain growth in the post-LDC era.
Faruque provided an insightful overview of Bangladesh's readymade garment sector focusing on issues that shaped the burgeoning garment industry over the last one decade or so overcoming challenges after the collapse of Rana Plaza and other disasters.
The BGMEA president also spotlighted the ongoing efforts to ensure workers' rights and well-being, particularly through the government's labour reform initiatives and the minimum wage review.
Recognising Canada as a major trade and development partner, Faruque expressed optimism that Canada will continue to extend favourable trade access to Bangladesh.
He underscored the potential of both countries to further bolster trade and investment through collaborations.
Wednesday’s meeting took place at the High Commission of Canada in Dhaka, and key representatives from both sides participated in the meeting.
The meeting was attended by Pierre Bouchard, Director of Bilateral and Regional Labour Affairs, of Canada by Lilly Nicholls, High Commissioner of Canada to Bangladesh, Debra Boyce, Senior Trade Commissioner, Joe Goodings, Head of Cooperation, Siobhan Kerr, Second Secretary, Political, and Kamal Uddin, Senior Trade Commissioner at the High Commission of Canada in Bangladesh.
Miran Ali, Vice President of BGMEA, ANM Saifuddin, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Labour and ILO Affairs, and Shams Mahmud, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell, also attended the meeting.