Prospect is bright for Bangladesh and Norway to expand bilateral trade and investment through strengthening partnership and cooperation.

The optimism was expressed at a meeting between Ambassador of Norway to Bangladesh Espen Rikter-Svendsen and BGMEA President Faruque Hassan at BGMEA Complex in Dhaka on September 15.

BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President Md. Nasir Uddin, Directors Rajiv Chowdhury, Neela Hosna Ara and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on ILO issue A N M Saifuddin were also present at the meeting. 

The envoy paid the visit to BGMEA leadership to discuss different trade-related issues along with possible areas where Norway to support the development of Bangladesh’s RMG industry.

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan apprised the Ambassador of the current status of the RMG industry including its massive progress in ensuring world-class workplace safety, environmental sustainability and responsible business practices.

He also highlighted BGMEA’s vision of maintaining the growth of the apparel industry while taking care of the environment with equal importance as part of its commitment to saving the planet and positively impacting the lives of people.

Sustainability, product diversification, innovation, technology upgradation, and skill development are some of the areas where the industry is giving top priority to achieve the next level of growth, he said.

Faruque Hassan said renewable energy, innovation, knowledge and technical solutions are potential areas where Norway could collaborate with the industry to accelerate its green growth. 

He invited Norwegian businessmen to explore Bangladesh as an attractive destination for investments in potential sectors like ICT, light engineering, and pharmaceuticals.

He also invited the Ambassador to the “Made in Bangladesh Week” which will be organized by BGMEA on 12-18 November this year to promote the RMG industry and discuss prospects and roadmap for the sustainable future. 

Praising the RMG sector’s remarkable achievements in environmental sustainability, the Norway Ambassador expressed intense intention of Norway to collaborate with the industry to promote its green growth.