Ms. Helena Helmersson, CEO, H&M Group, and Faruque Hassan, President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) held a meeting in Dhaka on May 31 to discuss potential areas of collaboration to further strengthen long-term partnership and expand H&M’s business base in Bangladesh.

The meeting was also attended by Shahidullah Azim, Vice President, BGMEA; Miran Ali, Vice President, BGMEA; Ziaur Rahman, H&M Group Country Manager for Bangladesh; Faisal Rabbi, Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs Manager, H&M Group; and Karin Lind, Global Head of Production H&M Group.

They had 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 peoples.

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 had discussions on how H&M Group and BGMEA could work collaboratively to drive sustainability in the industry.

He apprised Ms. Helena Helmersson about BGMEA’s Sustainable Strategic Vision- 2030 where the industry has set a target of reducing carbon emission, energy and ground water usages, and increase use of sustainable raw materials, use of ZDHC chemical, and renewable energy.

In the meeting, he also shed light on the RMG industry’s strong focus on 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 partnership with their Bangladeshi suppliers to expand 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 garments, especially high-value products and apparels made of manmade fibre from Bangladesh.