USAID, BGMEA discuss cooperation in apparel industry

New USAID Bangladesh Mission Director Kathryn Stevens and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association President Faruque Hassan Wednesday discussed the possible areas of collaboration between the BGMEA and USAID for the development of Bangladesh's apparel industry.

BGMEA vice-presidents Shahidullah Azim, Miran Ali, Md Nasir Uddin; and Emelda S Mullick, project management specialist, labour and human rights programs at USAID, were also present at the meeting.

The BGMEA president talked about the present situation of the ready-made garment (RMG) industry and its priorities – namely, in the areas of safety, sustainability, industry innovation, efficiency and capacity optimisation.

USAID Mission Director Kathryn Stevens expressed interest in the RMG Sustainability Council, the Centre of Innovation, Efficiency and OHS, and environmental sustainability.