Newly appointed Ambassador of Netherlands to Bangladesh, Anne Gerard van Leeuwen, paid a courtesy call on BGMEA President Faruque Hassan on August 29. 

BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President Miran Ali and Director Md. Mohiuddin Rubel were also present during the meeting held at BGMEA PR office in Gulshan, Dhaka.

They had discussions about the current situation of the readymade garment industry of Bangladesh, especially how the industry has faced the challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and the way it is turning around.

The discussion also encompassed potential areas of further collaboration between Bangladesh and Netherlands for the betterment of the Bangladesh RMG industry.

BGMEA President also highlighted the industry’s progress in the areas of workplace safety, social and environmental sustainability, including how participating garment factories under the Partnership for Cleaner Textile (PaCT) program have reduced their water footprint. PaCT is financially supported by the Netherlands government. 

He apprised the envoy of the future priorities of Bangladesh apparel industry, especially more focus on diversification in products, market and innovation in product development and process optimization. 

Faruque Hassan sought support of the Government of Netherlands through extension of transition period for smoother graduation from LDC.

He also requested the Netherlands government to extend cooperation for the development of knowledge and professional skills of Bangladeshi students through exchange programs in collaboration with universities in the Netherlands.

Netherlands Ambassador Anne van Leeuwen praised the progress made by the RMG industry of Bangladesh and expressed interests in cooperation and collaboration for the development of the industry.