BGMEA and H&M meet to strengthen apparel industry partnership

  • Arif Uz Zaman

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Faruque Hassan held a meeting with leading global fashion retailer H&M Group's Global Head of Sourcing Karin Lind and Head of Controlling Global Production Fredrik Kragh Myllenberg.

The meeting was held in Hong Kong on December 11. It discussed strengthening long-term partnerships, expanding H&M's business in Bangladesh, and joint sustainability initiatives in the apparel industry.

Figure: BGMEA and H&M meet to strengthen apparel industry partnership.

Azfar Hasan, Director of Giant Group was also present in the meeting. BGMEA informed this in a circular on December 11.

Both parties discussed the ongoing collaboration between H&M Group and BGMEA to achieve common sustainability goals in the apparel sector, particularly in accelerating the transition towards a circular and climate-neutral apparel industry in Bangladesh, the circular read.

Faruque Hassan expressed his gratitude to H&M Group for providing support by coordinating prices in purchase orders for Bangladeshi suppliers to implement the recently announced minimum wage.

He thanked the H&M Group for its commitment to invest in renewable energy in Bangladesh in line with global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

In a landmark announcement at the COP28 conference, H&M Group and Bestseller pledged to invest in a 500 MW offshore wind power project in Bangladesh. Developed by Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), the project is expected to reduce emissions by around 725,000 tons annually.

Faruque Hassan highlighted Bangladesh's apparel industry's emphasis on innovation, technological advancement, environmental sustainability and skill development, urging H&M Group to strengthen partnerships with Bangladeshi suppliers for further business expansion.

He said Bangladesh aims to move forward in the supply chain by diversifying into high-value products and upgrading technology. He also requested the H&M Group to collaborate with their suppliers to produce high-quality garments to realize this goal.

BGMEA president also urged the H&M Group to increase sourcing of garments from Bangladesh, especially high-value products and garments made from man-made fibers.