The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan requested the leaders of American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) to enhance cooperation between BGMEA and AAFA to deepen mutual business and explore areas of further collaboration.
He made the request while Faruque Hassan met with Stephen Lamar, President and CEO of The American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) in Washington recently, said a press release.High officials of AAFA and other organisations were also present in the meeting.
They discussed various issues including how to enhance cooperation between BGMEA and AAFA to deepen mutual business engagement and explore areas of further collaboration.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan highlighted the unprecedented strides made by Bangladesh’s RMG industry over the years in safety, sustainability and social compliance, which have earned the sector global recognitions.
A recent survey report by Hong Kong-based supply chain compliance solutions provider, QIMA, ranked Bangladesh’s garment industry second in “Ethical Manufacturing”.
Apart from ensuring workplace safety, Bangladesh is the home of the highest number of green garment factories in the world.
He urged the American Apparel and Footwear Association to promote Bangladesh as the safe and sustainable apparel-sourcing destination among its members and encourage them to source more garments including non-cotton items from the country.He urged US brands and buyers to collaborate with their suppliers to build their capacities in manufacturing those apparel items which have demand in the US market.
The BGMEA President also talked about how Bangladesh’s RMG industry has been able to turn around by addressing unprecedented challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
He also pointed out that production costs have increased while price has witnessed fall in the US market.
The AAFA expressed willingness in working closely with BGMEA to promote brand Bangladesh and business interests through their membership.
