BGMEA seeks policy support, cooperation in environment-friendly initiatives

BGMEA, the apparel apex body, on Monday sought policy support, cooperation for investments in renewable energy, and recycling initiatives, including solar panel installation and waste reuse, in factories.

"There is huge potentials for waste recycling in the country's garment industry and to encourage investment is this sector, it is necessary to formulate required policies, offer tax free facility and bring informal workers under supervision," Mahmud Hasan Khan, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said.

He made the remarks while paying a courtesy call on Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) and Bangladesh Economic Zones Authority (BEZA) Executive Chairman Chowdhury Ashiq Mahmud Bin Harun, at the latter's office in the city.

BGMEA Vice Presidents Mizanur Rahman, Vidya Amrit Khan, its director Samiha Azim, BIDA Executive Member (Investment Ecosystem) Md Mokhlesur Rahman and BEZA Executive Member Saleh Ahmed, among others, were present.

Highlighting the current situation of the garment industry, the BGMEA president said, "The garment industry has been facing a number of challenges due to global geopolitical instability, counter-tariffs imposed by the US, India's cancellation of trans-shipment, high bank interest rates and frequent price hikes of gas and electricity."

Mr Khan proposed developing an integrated garment industrial zone and allocating land in Chattogram at symbolic cost for small and medium garment factories to bring the units set up scattered way at the port city.

A BGMEA statement said the BIDA chairman welcomed the proposal and informed the meeting that a joint committee would be formed to develop an action plan within a week.

Highlighting various initiatives related to sustainability and circularity, the BGMEA delegation also said that the use of renewable energy is essential to ensure environmentally friendly production in the garment industry.

They also stressed for developing a roadmap in this regard and provide technical and financial support to the factories to encourage energy conversion through the installation of solar panels in the garment factories.

They also requested extending loan classification grace period to six months from existing three months and simplifying bond audits process.

Terming bond processes time-consuming, harassing and hinder daily export activities, the BGMEA proposed BIDA to nominate 20 institutions for bond audits through outsourcing to ensure transparency and accelerate the process.

Their other proposals include taking initiative to establish a separate ministry for the sector.

Munni_fe@yahoo.com