BGMEA seeks Spanish investment in non-cotton products

The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association president, Faruque Hassan, has sought Spanish government’s support for Spanish investment in non-cotton and technical textiles and high-end apparel items in Bangladesh.

Faruque Hassan made the call when Ambassador of Spain to Bangladesh, Francisco de Asís Benítez Salas, paid a courtesy call on him at his office in Dhaka on Tuesday.

BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim also attended the meeting.

The two sides discussed about issues related to the readymade garment industry in Bangladesh, including its progress in the areas of workplace safety, social and environmental sustainability, said a press release.

Bangladesh is proud to have the highest number of green garment factories in the world and more factories are in the process of achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from US Green Building Council (USGBC), the release added.

The BGMEA president explained to the envoy the priorities of Bangladesh’s RMG industry, especially the focus on production of value-added apparel items made from man-made fibre (MMF) and innovation in product development and process optimisation.

The discussants also highlighted the 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).

The BGMEA president sought the support from the Spanish authorities in this regard. He also sought support and cooperation of the Spanish government through extension of transition period for smoother graduation from LDC.

The Ambassador of Spain lauded the progress of the apparel industry of Bangladesh.