Johan Forssell, Minister of International Development Cooperation & Foreign Trade, and Her Excellency Alexandra Berg bon Linde, the Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh and H&M Country Manager Ziaur Rahman recently embarked on a mission to gain insights into the intricate ecosystem of Bangladesh's garment industry.
Their visit to Fakir Apparels shed light on the challenges faced by the sector, including issues related to the GSP, achieving net zero emissions, and ensuring sustainability practices. During this high level delegation visit Fakir Maniruzzaman, Managing Director, Fakir Nafizuzzaman, Deputy Managing Director, Munzarin Zaman, Sustainability Director, and Fakir Rafsanuzzaman, Director were present from the management of Fakir Apparels.
During their discussions at Fakir Apparels, the officials delved into the critical role of trade for Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of initiatives like GSP in supporting the country's garment industry.
They recognized the need for collaboration among all stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition towards a GSP plus scenario, crucial for safeguarding the livelihoods of millions of workers in the industry.
Fakir Apparels articulated their aspirations for policy support in advancing climate goals and transitioning towards becoming a net zero and sustainable manufacturing facility. The company shared its roadmap outlining concrete steps to achieve these ambitious targets, highlighting the necessity of support from key stakeholders such as the EU and Sweden to expedite the process.
Moreover, Fakir Apparels showcased its innovative approach to social sustainability, emphasizing the pivotal role of workers in the industry.
The company outlined initiatives aimed at enhancing workers' livelihoods, promoting their active participation in the economy, and fostering a supportive environment for their well-being.
The visit by Swedish officials to Fakir Apparels underscored the collaborative efforts required to address the multifaceted challenges facing Bangladesh's garment industry.
By engaging in constructive dialogues and sharing best practices, stakeholders can work together towards building a more sustainable and inclusive future for the sector, ensuring the prosperity of both businesses and workers alike.