"It is important to address the challenges posed by decarbonization, the transition from Least Developed Country (LDC) status, and the fourth industrial revolution (automation) to ensure the sustainable development of this sector, said experts at an event, adding that these challenges must be met to help Bangladesh remain competitive in the global market.
This information was shared during a keynote presentation titled ‘Bunon 2030: Key Interventions, Insights, & Way Forward for Bangladesh’s RMG Sector’ at a discussion held at a hotel at Gulshan in the capital on Saturday.
The presentation was delivered by Zahedul Amin, Co-founder and Director of LightCastle Partners.
The event was jointly organized by the Dhaka-based international business consultancy firm LightCastle Partners and Policy Exchange Bangladesh.
The report, under the same title, was unveiled at the event and handed over to key stakeholders, including government representatives and leaders from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA).
The report, which was based on feedback from over 100 industry leaders, and government officials, examined key topics from four dialogues held over the past year.
The first dialogue focused on 'Circularity, Decarbonization, and Competitiveness,' the second on 'Embracing Wellbeing—Nurturing the Future of Apparel Workers in the Industry,' the third on 'Sustainable Apparel's Future—Navigating Industry Shifts by 2030,' and the final and fourth on 'Future-Proofing RMG—Tackling Automation for Sustainable Growth and Worker Wellbeing.'
The event marked the closing session of the 2024 'Bunon: 2030' series. The chief guest at the event was Anwar Hossain, Administrator of BGMEA and Vice Chairman of the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB). Mohammad Hatem, President of BKMEA, M. A. Jabbar, Managing Director of DBL Group, Professor Mohammad A. Momen, Co-founder of Pride Group, and Ferdaus Ara Begum, CEO of Build, also spoke at the event.
The session was chaired by Dr. M. Masrur Reaz, Chairman & CEO of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, while Ainee Islam, Director, Program Development, The Asia Foundation delivered the opening remarks.
The presentation highlighted key insights and recommendations from all the dialogues, emphasizing the importance of Bangladesh enhancing resource efficiency and striving for a just transition, particularly in light of its upcoming LDC graduation, while strategically aligning with EU regulations.
In addition, Mohammad Hatem presented strategies to achieve General System of Preferences (GSP) Plus targets after Bangladesh’s transition from Least Developed Countries (LDC) status.
