Sweden's sustainable fashion platform hosts third policy dialogue on renewable energy in RMG sector

The Sustainable Fashion Platform of Sweden organised its third Policy Dialogue on Wednesday (May 08), focusing on scaling up the Sweden-Bangladesh partnership on renewable energy linked to the RMG-sector.

The event was hosted by the Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh, H.E. Ms. Alexandra Berg von Linde, with Nasrul Hamid, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, as the chief guest, according to a press release. 

The event saw digital introductory remarks from the Swedish Minister of Foreign Trade and International Development Cooperation, Mr. Johan Forssell, emphasising the strategic importance of the RMG sector in both countries. Minister Forssell highlighted Sweden's readiness to support Bangladesh in its green transition, echoing the sentiments of a recent visit by Her Royal Highness, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden, where green and digital transitions were central themes.

H.E. Ms. Alexandra Berg von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, expressed optimism about the potential for collaboration between Sweden and Bangladesh in renewable energy, stressing the importance of identifying green solutions and sustainable financing mechanisms for the RMG industry.

Honourable State Minister, Mr. Nasrul Hamid MP, emphasised the urgency of ensuring sustainability and decarbonisation in the apparel industry, calling for proactive solutions.

H.E. Mr Charles Whiteley, Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, highlighted the EU's commitment to environmental standards through policies like the European Green Deal and the EU Climate Law, emphasising the significance of the EU Due Diligence Directive for the Bangladeshi RMG sector.

The Policy Dialogue centred on establishing Corporate Power Purchasing Agreements (CPPAs). Swedish RMG brands associated with the Sustainable Fashion Platform, including H&M Group, Ikea, and Lindex, made a joint presentation on the topic, emphasising its importance for the green transition and competitiveness of the RMG sector in Bangladesh.

Special guests at the event included Mr. Md. Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of the Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), and Mr. Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).

The Sustainable Fashion Platform, a collaborative effort between the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, Business Sweden, Swedish RMG brands, and various chambers of commerce, aims to coordinate Swedish efforts on sustainability within the RMG sector in Bangladesh.