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A high-level delegation from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA) visited the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) on Tuesday.
The visit aimed at discussing workers’ rights issues and exploring ways to enhance the partnership between the US and Bangladesh in the readymade garment (RMG) sector, reports UNB.
The BGMEA delegation, led by Administrator Anwar Hossain, engaged in discussions with the AAFA and FLA representatives.
Members of the BGMEA Support Committee — Miran Ali, Asif Ashraf, Rezwan Selim, ANM Saifuddin, Shehabudduza Chowdhury and Shams Mahmud accompanied the administrator.
The meeting highlighted opportunities of cooperation in fostering a more sustainable and ethical RMG industry in Bangladesh while strengthening trade relations with the United States.
They discussed elaborately the issues of workers' rights, workplace safety, labour law and reforms in Bangladesh.
Several key areas, including increasing trade access for Bangladeshi apparel in the US market, promoting responsible purchasing practices, and the industry’s impressive progress in sustainability initiatives got due importance in the meeting.
The delegation also explored potential collaborations in workers’ training programmes and initiatives to further enhance workers’ welfare in the RMG sector.
During the meeting, the BGMEA urged AAFA, which represents over 1,000 globally renowned brands, retailers, and manufacturers, and FLA to promote responsible purchasing practices that benefit both buyers and suppliers.
BGMEA also requested AAFA’s support in advocating for Bangladesh’s trade interests in the US market, ensuring continued growth and mutual benefit.
The delegation appreciated Bangladesh’s progress in workers’ rights and the government’s initiative of forming the labour reform commission and labour law reforms.