The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the Customs Bond Commissionerate in Chattogram to enhance the speed and simplicity of custom bond-related services to boost the competitiveness of the RMG industry. The call was made when a delegation of BGMEA headed by President Faruque Hassan held a meeting with A.K.M. Mahbubur Rahman, Commissioner of Customs Bond Commissionerate, Chattogram. BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, former First vice president Moinuddin Ahmed Mintu, Directors A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon), M. Ahsanul Hoq, former Directors Helal Uddin Chowdhury, Anjan Shekhar Das, Khondaker Belayet Hossain, Mohammad Atique and, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammed Kamal Uddin, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Cash Incentive Humayun Kabir Salim were present at the meeting held at the Customs Bond Commissionerate office in Chattogram on September 18. Also read: BGMEA urges Custom House to make services faster and simpler for RMG industry’s competitiveness The meeting was also attended by Joint Commissioners Kamona Sheesh and Md. Mizanur Rahman, Deputy Commissioners Tapan Chandra Dey, Suman Chakma and Mohammad Kawsar Alam Patwary. The meeting centered on important discussions concerning issues and challenges faced by the RMG sector in relation to bond-related services. During the meeting, President Faruque Hassan underlined the immense potential that Bangladesh holds in the global market and emphasized that simplified bond services would play a pivotal role in harnessing this potential. He particularly emphasized the necessity of eliminating complexities in the customs bond procedures, and resolving problems that causes delay in services. Also read: BGMEA calls for collaboration to create enabling environment for responsible business practices Streamlining this process, he noted, would shorten lead times, thus contribute significantly to its global competitiveness. In response to these concerns, the Commissioner of the Customs Bond Commissionerate assured the BGMEA delegation of the necessary cooperation in addressing the issues raised during the meeting. In the meeting, both sides expressed willingness to work closely together to create a more conducive environment for RMG businesses to thrive. Also read: DSE, BGMEA join forces to support RMG enterprises in capital market

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has urged the Custom authority to simplify customs-related procedures and removing all obstacles to facilitate faster and smoother services for the RMG sector. In a highly competitive global market, he stressed that Bangladesh must reduce lead times, which is a critical factor for maintaining competitiveness within the fashion industry. A delegation of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), led by President Faruque Hassan, held a crucial meeting with Mohammad Fyzur Rahman, Commissioner of Custom House, Chattogram. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and address key concerns related to customs procedures affecting the readymade garments (RMG) industry. Also read: BGMEA calls for collaboration to create enabling environment for responsible business practices The BGMEA president also pointed to the challenges currently facing the RMG industry, especially a slowdown in orders due to the global economic impacts of the Russia-Ukraine war. He highlighted the industry's need for government support and cooperation to navigate these challenging times and ensure its sustainable growth. The BGMEA delegation apprised the Customs Commissioner of the various difficulties faced by garment exporters concerning customs-related services. They urged the customs authorities to take prompt action in addressing these issues and streamlining services for the RMG industry. Also read: DSE, BGMEA join forces to support RMG enterprises in capital market In response, the Customs Commissioner acknowledged the significant contribution of the RMG industry to the socioeconomic development of Bangladesh. He listened to the concerns raised by the BGMEA leaders during the meeting and assured them of the Customs House's commitment to providing comprehensive support to resolve these challenges and enhance services for RMG exporters. BGMEA First Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, Vice President Rakibul Alam Chowdhury, Directors Md. M. Mohiuddin Chowdhury, A.M. Shafiul Karim (Khokon), M. Ahsanul Hoq, former Directors Anjan Shekhar Das and Helal Uddin Chowdhury, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammed Kamal Uddin, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Cash Incentive Humayun Kabir Salim were present at the meeting held at the Custom House in Chattogram on September 18. Also read: BGMEA urges Kontoor Brands to step up garment sourcing from Bangladesh Md. Zakir Hossain, Additional Commissioner, Tafsir Uddin Bhuiyan, Joint Commissioner and other high officials of the Custom House, Chattogram were also present at the meeting which was attended by President of Chattogram Custom Agents Association AKM Akhtar Hossain, Secretary General Kazi Mahmud Imam and port related secretary Liakat Ali Howlader.

Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, met with Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at the latter’s office in Uttara, Dhaka on Thursday. Sarder M Asaduzzaman, Assistant Resident Representative, and Debashis Roy, Private Sector Partnership Specialist were also present on the occasion. During the meeting, they discussed potential collaboration between UNDP and BGMEA in promoting sustainability, skills development and workers’ wellbeing in the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh.

Australian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruerhas on Thursday met President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Faruque Hassan and discussed areas of opportunities on trade front. BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Directors Abdullah Hil Rakib, Barrister Vidiya Amrit Khan, Neela Hosna Ara, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Press, Publication and Publicity Shovon Islam, Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on RSC Nafis-Ud-Doula, and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Trade Fair Mohammed Kamal Uddin attended the meeting. Mahbub ur Rahman, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh; Joshua Gacutan, Second Secretary (Economic); and Nitol Dewan, Trade and Economic Development Manager at the Australian High Commission, were also present at the meeting held at BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. Also read: BGMEA urges Kontoor Brands to step up garment sourcing from Bangladesh The meeting was marked by fruitful discussions on mutual interests and potential collaborations in grasping trade opportunities between Bangladesh and Australia. Both sides had discussions regarding a range of topics, including avenues for enhancing bilateral trade between the two nations. They also delved into the means of strengthening partnership and expanding trade and investment in areas of high potential. One of the key points discussed in the meeting was the continuation of Australia's duty-free market access to Bangladesh in the post-LDC period, for which BGMEA President Faruque Hassan expressed his gratitude. Bangladesh's keen interest in the Australian market, particularly in exporting high-end fashion items, and the potential to increase its imports of cotton and wool from Australia for its readymade garment sector were also highlighted in their discussion. Faruque Hassan extended his appreciation to Australia for its ongoing support in Bangladesh's journey towards development, said the BGMEA. Also read: South Korean Ambassador, BGMEA President discuss ways to boost trade, investment He highlighted the significance of Australia as a promising market for Bangladesh's apparel exports. He also underscored the importance of fostering industry connections between Australian suppliers of raw materials, such as cotton and wool, and Bangladesh's RMG sector. Faruque Hassan thanked the Austrian High Commissioner for extending his cooperation in organizing the first-ever Bangladesh Apparel Summit in Melbourne on July 18 this year. The summit played an important role in bringing closer a wide range of stakeholders of the RMG industry including buyers, retailers, suppliers, consumers, development partners and others, creating a good opportunity for fruitful discussions. Also read: Concerted efforts needed for transition to circularity: BGMEA President

President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Faruque Hassan  has called upon leading clothing company Kontoor Brands to increase sourcing of garments from Bangladesh, especially high-value and non-cotton items. Citing the vast progress in workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and workers’ wellbeing, he said the industry’s strides had strengthen the position of Bangladesh as a preferred destination for garment sourcing. We need to go beyond cotton, traditional items: BGMEA chief He made the call during a meeting with senior management representatives from Kontoor Brands, a prominent global apparel company having long-term business with Bangladeshi suppliers. Two iconic denim labels -- Lee and Wrangler -- are owned by Kontoor Brands. Key executives from Kontoor Brands, including Ezio Garciamendez, Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer; Wesley Gibson, Vice President, Managing Director Sourcing; Heena Agrawal, Vice President Finance; and Gihan Palihena, Director Asia Product Supply – South Asia were present at the meeting held in Dhaka on September 13. They discussed issues of mutual interests, especially the prospects of strengthening the relationship between Kontoor Brands and the Bangladeshi garment industry. Concerted efforts needed for transition to circularity: BGMEA President During the meeting, Faruque Hassan presented an overview of the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Bangladesh’s garment industry to enhance its manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the production of high-end products, including manmade fiber and technical textile-based garments. He highlighted the industry's continuous efforts to promote sustainable fashion practices and encourage the adoption of a circular economy model. One of the key points raised by BGMEA President Faruque Hassan was the importance of ethical pricing to foster sustainability within the RMG sector while ensuring the well-being of the workers. The RMG industry of Bangladesh has made significant strides in ensuring the workplace safety, and sustainable manufacturing, said Faruque Hassan. BGMEA-Circle Economy ink MoU to accelerate garment, textile sector’s transition towards circular economy "We invite international buyers, such as Kontoor Brands, to collaborate with us in this journey towards a more sustainable and responsible fashion industry."

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has underscored the need for diversification of products alongside technology upgradation, embracing sustainable manufacturing practices, innovation, and skill development to retain Bangladesh’s competitive edge in the global apparel market. “When we talk about enhancing our industry capability, we need to go beyond the cotton and traditional items, we need to increase our capacity in product development and innovation, enhance our efficiency and professional skills,” he said. He made the remarks while addressing as the guest of honor the inauguration ceremony of Textech series of exhibitions organized by CEMS Global USA in association with CEMS Bangladesh in Dhaka on September 13. BGMEA urges Kontoor Brands to step up garment sourcing from Bangladesh Textiles and Jute Minister Golam Dastagir Gazi (Birpatik) MP attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) A. H. M. Ahsan also spoke at the event as special guest while President and Group Managing Director of CEMS Global USA and Asia Pacific Meherun N. Islam chaired the ceremony. Concerted efforts needed for transition to circularity: BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said, “In this era of fast fashion, brands are continuously striving to make the production process faster and simpler.  So in the coming days, the manufacturing landscape will be influenced by the 3Cs - Cost, Competitiveness, and Closeness.” “4th Industrial Revolution will be the key to achieving manufacturing and supply chain excellence. At the same time, fashion consumption will continue to evolve driven by technology and innovation,” he added. BGMEA-Circle Economy ink MoU to accelerate garment, textile sector’s transition towards circular economy

Apparel export for the period of July-August of FY2023-24 has grown by 12.46% year-over-year basis to US$ 7.99 billion from US$ 7.11 billion during the same period of the fiscal year 2022-23, according to the statistics from the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). In July-August period of this year 2023, the apparel export target was US$7.88 billion. The apparel sector has recorded an export worth US$7.99bn – 1.46% over the target. The export of knitwear was US$ 4.58 billion, while the export of woven garments was US$ 3.42 billion, registering 17.02% and 6.86% year-over-year growth respectively, data from EPB showed. Also read: RMG exports: Bangladesh earned $3.95 billion in July, says BGMEA The single-month apparel export earnings which means export in August 2023 was US$ 4.04 billion with 7.99% growth compared to August 2022. The overall growth in RMG exports is “quite impressive,” BGMEA Director Mohiuddin Rubel. “The recent trend in trade reflects a depressing scenario of the retail business and economy, which might be continued throughout this year," he, however, said. Also read: Bangladesh's RMG export to USA grows 6.31% in FY 2023-24  “For Bangladesh, the positive side is that we are being able to gradually diversify our products and moving toward sophisticated items, which is reflected in the growth,” he added. In the last financial year 2022-23, total garment export was US$46.99 billion – a 10.27 percent growth. Also read: RMG exports in FY23 almost $47bn, 85% of total exports

Helen Keller, a leading global organization dedicated to preventing blindness and promoting eye health, has partnered with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) to address a pressing public health issue in Bangladesh – vision problems among garment workers.  The joint initiative aims to integrate comprehensive eye care services within health facilities managed by BGMEA, ultimately enhancing workers' productivity and well-being. Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA, and Hasina Akhter, Country Director, Helen Keller International, Bangladesh signed the MoU on behalf of their respective sides,  according to a media release. BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali and Director Neela Hosna Ara were also present at the MoU signing ceremony. Read: Japan-Bangladesh business cooperation will grow further: speakers With an estimated 27 million people suffering from moderate to severe visual impairment in Bangladesh, the partnership between Helen Keller and BGMEA seeks to address this issue head-on. Uncorrected refractive errors are a significant cause of visual impairment, affecting not only the workers' daily lives but also their capacity to fulfill their educational and employment potential. The initiative will focus on the provision of primary eye care services, including basic eye examinations, prescription glasses, and referrals for more complex eye disorders. The project will involve training clinicians at five BGMEA-affiliated health facilities, equipping them with the necessary tools to provide effective eye care services. A key aspect of this collaboration is assessing the impact of improved eye health on workers' productivity.  A recent study demonstrated that providing eyeglasses to tea pickers led to a significant reduction in product defects and improved overall productivity. The initiative aims to replicate this success within the garment industry. Read: CPD suggests bringing 856 risky garment factories under monitoring Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA, said, “We are delighted to partner with Helen Keller International in providing eye care services to garment workers in Bangladesh. The initiative will improve the eye health of workers, which in turn will also boost their productivity.” Hasina Akhter, Country Director, Helen Keller International, Bangladesh, said, “Carrying forward the legacy of Helen Keller, through this partnership between BGMEA and Helen Keller International,  we will be able to support the garment workers in eye health care and improve the quality of their life.”

The readymade garment industry of Bangladesh is increasingly focusing on the transition from linear business model to circular economy for greater environmental sustainability coupled with economic growth, said Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA). He said, “To what extent climate change will change the world is still unclear, but one thing is certain: businesses can no longer grow at the cost of the environment. The decisions taken now and in the coming years will affect the planet.” Read: BGMEA President seeks embassy support to boost RMG exports to Iraq He made the observations while speaking at the launching of a report titled ‘The case for just transitions in energy, agricultural and RMG sector in Bangladesh’ held in Dhaka on Sunday (August 27). Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Special Envoy to the Honorable Prime Minister for Climate Change, and Chair of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, inaugurated the event as chief guest. Professor Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Zafar Sobhan, Editor of Dhaka Tribune and Dr. Sultana Afroz, Former CEO of Public Private Partnership (PPP) Authority of the Prime Minister's Office also spoke at the event. BGMEA Chief highlighted the progress made by Bangladesh’s RMG industry in the area of environmental sustainability. Read: RMG exports: Bangladesh earned $3.95 billion in July, says BGMEA “Bangladesh’s RMG industry has seen an impressive growth in the number of green garment factories. The total number of LEED certified green garment factories in Bangladesh is now 200, of which 73 are platinum. These green factories are equipped with all the eco-friendly features and emit 40% less carbon than a conventional factory,” he said. He also mentioned the series of initiatives taken by BGMEA for protecting environment under its Sustainability Vision 2030. “The vision aims to reduce 30% carbon emission, 50% use of sustainable raw materials, 50% reduction of groundwater usage, 100% use of ZDHC chemical usage, 30% reduction of energy usage, 20% use of renewable energy and 30% reduction of deforestation,” he added. Read: RMG exports to EU grew 9.93% in FY 2022-23: Export Promotion Bureau The BGMEA President said, “Climate change is not a future threat, it’s happening now. The best way one can make an impact in this regard is “doing-our-bits” to curb carbon emissions and reduce environmental pollution.” “When the brands are setting ambitious targets, it is their responsibility to make sure that no one is left behind in the supply chain,” he remarked.

A delegation of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) led by President Faruque Hassan called on Dr. Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of Board of Investment, Kurdistan Regional Government in Erbil, Iraq. Other members of the delegation were Sharmeen Hassan Tithi, Director, Giant Group;  Mohammed Shohel, Managing Director, Bangla Poshak Ltd; Mohd Shawket Hossain, Director, Bangla Poshak Ltd; and Nisher Khan, Managing Director, Banika Fashion Ltd. H. E. Fazlul Bari, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Iraq; and Dr. Ahmed Jalal, President of Kurdistan-Bangladesh Business Council were also present at the meeting. Their discussions centered on means of promoting bilateral trade and investment between Bangladesh and Kurdistan. The meeting also focused on how both sides could collaborate in opening windows of bilateral investment opportunities. During the meeting , BGMEA President Faruque Hassan pointed to the attractive and favourable investment climate in Bangladesh and invited the Kurdistan investment to avail the advantages. Chairman of Investment Board Dr. Mohammed Shukri highlighted the investment facilities offered by the Kurdistan Regional Government to foreign investors. He assured that support and cooperation from the Kurdistan regional government would be provided to Bangladeshi investors, especially free land for settling up companies in Kurdistan. Both sides expressed their hope of getting mutual benefits through cooperation.