State Minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam has sought European Union’s support for developing a ‘fair price’ roadmap for Bangladesh’s clothes. He was speaking at a multi-stakeholder event titled “EU-Bangladesh Apparel Trade: A Time for a Reality Check” at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday.
The state minister said Bangladesh and EU “must continue to work together on labour reforms based on a roadmap, on promoting safety, efficiency and sustainability in the RMG industry, and on developing a compact on fair prices”. Tomas Zdechovsky, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the European People’s Party, hosted the event in collaboration with the Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels.
Zdechovsky took the initiative to create a platform for discussions on the current status of EU, Bangladesh apparel trade in his capacity as a member of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee (INTA) as well as Delegation for Relations with the counties of South Asia (DSAS).
Shahriar said the ‘sea change’ in RMG industry in Bangladesh in the last seven years particularly has been the result of the collective efforts by many dedicated actors. “Those who urge the EU to use its international development commitments like the Everything but Arms (EBA) scheme to wield pressure on select LDCs do not perhaps do so for the benefit of the millions of workers and those who depend on them,” he said.
He highlighted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s efforts and said, “She envisions a Bangladesh where equity and social justice prevails in a prosperous economy, and our social partners work together for a harmonious industrial relations management.”
The state minister also highlighted the RMG industry’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economy and society, including for turning its female workforce into real agents of change.
He underscored the industry’s remarkable resilience and strength in course of nearly four decades despite many challenges from both within and outside. He urged the stakeholders in Brussels to help set a positive agenda for EU-Bangladesh trade relations beyond the ‘relentless misinformation campaign by certain quarters’.
Maximilian Krah, a European MP, from the Identity and Democracy Group and INTA Rapporteur for South Asia lauded Bangladesh’s recent economic growth performance and the apparel sector’s contribution to it. The German MP assured of the European Parliament’s support in addressing remaining challenges in the industry and facilitating an easy transition for Bangladesh from the LDC status.
He mentioned the rising import of machinery and other materials from EU Member States as an example for the added benefits accrued to the EU from the growth of Bangladesh’s RMG industry. Rubana Huq, President, Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) said, “The labour narrative about Bangladesh needs to change right away, for it does not do justice to our workers as well….”
“The RMG industry in Bangladesh is open for partnership and has nothing to hide as far as workers’ safety and remediation measures are concerned,” she said. The state minister also had a bilateral meeting with MP Zdechovksy where they discussed the recent political, economic and social developments in Bangladesh.
The MEP from Czech Republic reiterated his commitment to support countries like Bangladesh in their development pursuits in the long-term interest of the EU itself, the foreign ministry said.