Ms. Ilse Nolan, Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer at Kmart and Target, met with Faruque Hassan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufactures and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on March 8. 

The meeting, held at BGMEA Complex, was also attended by BGMEA Vice President Miran Ali.

The primary focus of the meeting was to explore potential collaboration opportunities, with a special emphasis on promoting sustainability and the transition to a circular fashion system.

They had discussions about possible scope of working together to enhance capabilities of Bangladeshi suppliers in sustainable manufacturing practices.

During the meeting, Faruque Hassan provided a comprehensive overview of the present status of the ready-made garment industry in Bangladesh, as well as its prospects in the global market. 

He also highlighted the ongoing initiatives of BGMEA to enhance competitiveness of the industry through technology upgradation, innovation, and skill development.

The BGMEA President pointed to Bangladesh’s increases focus on diversify products, especially in the non-cotton and high-end segments. 

He requested Kmart and Target to increase sourcing garments from Bangladesh.

Kmart and Target represent the single largest buyers from Australia sourcing from Bangladesh for many years.

Mridul Dasgupta, General Manager, and Zahid Abed, Head of Sourcing-Apparel at KAS Group Asia, were also in attendance, contributing to the depth and breadth of the discussions.