BGMEA calls for responsible, ethical business practices in RMG sector

BGMEA President has laid emphasis on responsible supply chain, ethical sourcing and unified code of conduct for social audits while attending a panel discussion of AAFA's Social Responsibility Committee.

He joined the discussion at the invitation of the American Apparel and Footwear Association (AAFA) held virtually on June 30, said a press release Thursday.

This was the first of its kind invitation from AAFA to Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) which signifies the strategic partnership and collaboration between the two organisations.

BGMEA president discussed how Bangladesh and its Readymade Garment (RMG) industry is doing in terms of exports and maintaining health protocols in this difficult time of Covid-19.

He raised issues that are pertinent to responsible business practices and socially responsible supply chain, like ethical sourcing and purchasing practices, particularly the worsening trend in import price, which is unjustifiable to the sustainability strides made by the manufacturers.

He also flagged the issue of audit fatigue and the need for a unified code of conduct for social audits which will be beneficial for the buyers, manufacturers and workers at large.

Faruque Hassan accentuated the importance of collaborative and strategic partnership between business to business and association to association to make businesses more complementary, resilient and sustainable.

He highlighted the future prospects of the industry and the need for industry up-grading particularly in the area of skills and efficiency enhancement, technological upgrading, and diversification of products (especially non-cotton) and welcomed US investments in these areas.

The virtual conference was attended, among others, by Thea Lee, Deputy under Secretary of International Labor Affairs, US Department of Labor; Scott Busby, acting Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, U.S. Department of State; and Charita Castro, Director for Labor Affairs, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).

Nate Herman, Senior Vice President, Policy, AAFA hosted the meeting.