Swisscontact hosted a networking and experience-sharing event titled "Fabric of Change: Role of Swisscontact in Upskilling RMG Workers in Bangladesh '' at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel.
The event highlighted Swisscontact’s pivotal role in transforming Bangladesh’s Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector through innovative projects by showcasing the experience of three projects of Swisscontact titled Sarathi: Improving Financial Health, Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector Through Skills (PROGRESS), and Building Youth Employability through Skills (BYETS), according to a press release issued on Monday.
The gathering commenced with the opening remarks by Swisscontact Bangladesh Country Director Mujibul (Cezanne) Hasan, followed by a keynote address delivered by BYETS Team Leader Nadia Afrin Shams. Senior managers from Swisscontact’s flagship projects – Salma Akhter (Sarathi), Mir Rafiat Salman (PROGRESS), and Md Muntasir (BYTES) – provided detailed insights into their respective skill development initiatives.
“It's not about ending the project with the hope that someone will continue it. We ensure that the work we've done will be carried on in a commercially viable manner.” said Mujibul Hasan.
Special guests, including BKMEA Director Mohammad Sohel Sadat and Vice President Md Akhter Hossain Apurbo, Rajesh Bheda Consulting BD Pvt Limited CEO and Managing Director Rajesh Bheda and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange Director of Strategic Engagements Omar Gias, contributed valuable insights during the panel discussion.
The event underscored the industry’s enthusiasm for deeper collaborations with Swisscontact to build a sustainable RMG skills development ecosystem, adds the release.
In his closing remarks, Fazle Razik, head of programme at Swisscontact Bangladesh, said, “We try to create a solution that generates sustainable, durable, and scalable impact. We aim to develop solutions that go beyond being a mere band-aid; our solutions should not only heal the wound but also promote overall health. Creating such a solution requires all kinds of stakeholders’ contribution with their unique efforts.
“We need stakeholders from various sectors who can make a difference in the industry. By co-creating a solution with input from the industry and those who matter, we seize the opportunity to move forward to the next level,” he said while emphasising the organisation’s commitment to fostering economic growth and social development in Bangladesh.
Established in 1959, Swisscontact has been a driving force in sustainable development globally and continues to impact over 1,70,000 individuals annually in Bangladesh alone.
"We need to focus on sustainability and compliance as many challenges are emerging, particularly at the mid and upper management levels. Projects like Sarathi, Progress, and Byets are essential, and we need to develop models and financial designs that are affordable and effective. Given our high dependency on RMG, we have no alternative but to work collectively and collaborate together," mentioned BKMEA Director Mohammad Sohel Sadat.
"We must encourage women workers, but they need to undergo training before joining our new venture for an improved and forward-looking RMG industry," said Akhter Hossain Apurbo.
Over the last twenty years, Swisscontact Bangladesh has supported nearly 2,50,000 young people, half of whom are women, through a total of 11 completed and ongoing projects focused on skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship, claims the release.
In addition, Swisscontact Bangladesh maintains active partnerships with more than 50 private training providers. These collaborations aim to enhance curriculum quality, improve training delivery methods, strengthen trainers’ skills, and establish strong ties with industries to ensure optimal job placements for trainees.
Swisscontact Bangladesh is dedicated to upholding high industry standards in its skill development programmes. By promoting innovation and enhancing competitiveness, the organisation aims to create effective training programmes at entry, mid, and vocational levels that meet the dynamic needs of different industries.
