BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has requested Switzerland to consider an extension of the EBA (Everything but Arms) scheme under its Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) program for 10 years for Bangladesh’s smoother transition. Ambassador of Switzerland to Bangladesh Nathalie Chuard, accompanied by Thomas Baumgartner, head of political, economic and cultural affairs met the President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association(BGMEA) at the latter’s office in the city on Tuesday and discussed the trade issues. BGMEA first Vice President Syed Nazrul Islam, and Vice President Md. Shahidullah Azim attended the meeting. The discussions covered issues pertinent to the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh, and its progress in the area of social and environmental sustainability. The BGMEA chief applauded the Swiss envoy for the transformation the industry has made over the past years. The discussants also highlighted the future potential of the industry and the need for industry up-grading particularly in the area of skills and efficiency enhancement, technological expertise, and diversification of products (especially non-cotton). BGMEA sought the support from the Embassy of Switzerland regarding the need for unified code of conduct for social audits and collaboration to promote the untold stories of the industry’s transformation.The potential of foreign investment in non-cotton and technical textiles, light engineering sector and high end apparel items was encouraged. The Swiss Ambassador expressed her satisfaction about the progress of the industry in the area of sustainable manufacturing and assured the support from the Swiss Government.
