CEO of H&M Group Helena Helmersson and President of BGMEA Faruque Hassan held a meeting in Dhaka on Wednesday to discuss potential areas of collaboration to further strengthen long-term partnerships and expand H&M’s business base in Bangladesh.
The meeting was also attended by BGMEA Vice Presidents Shahidullah Azim and Miran Ali, H&M Group Country Manager for Bangladesh Ziaur Rahman, Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs Manager of H&M Group Faisal Rabbi and Global Head of Production H&M Group Karin Lind, read a press release on Wednesday.
They held discussions about various issues relevant to Bangladesh’s readymade garment industry including its prospects and preparedness to pursue its growth vision in a manner that is sustainable and positively impacts the economy, the environment, and the lives of people.
During the meeting, BGMEA President Faruque Hassan gave an overview of the vast progress made by the industry in terms of workplace safety, environmental sustainability, and workers’ rights and welfare.
They also explored how H&M Group and BGMEA could work collaboratively to drive sustainability in the industry.
He apprised Helena Helmersson about BGMEA’s Sustainable Strategic Vision- 2030 where the industry has set a target of reducing carbon emission, energy, and groundwater usage and increasing the use of sustainable raw materials, ZDHC chemical, and renewable energy.
In the meeting, he also shed light on the RMG industry’s strong focus on the transition from volume to value.
In line with the vision, the industry is putting emphasis on innovation, technological upgradation, environmental sustainability, productivity and efficiency enhancement, and skill development.
Faruque Hassan said the strong bond built upon confidence and trust between H&M Group and Bangladeshi supplier factories has made Bangladesh the largest sourcing market of H&M Group.
He requested the H&M Group to further strengthen its partnership with its Bangladeshi suppliers to expand its business base in Bangladesh.
As Bangladesh seeks to move up the value chain by diversifying from basic to high-value products and upgrading technologies, H&M Group could work together with their suppliers to develop high-end products, he said.
He called on H&M Group to increase its sourcing of garments, especially high-value products, and apparel made of manmade fiber from Bangladesh.
