DHAKA, Feb 6, 2020 (BSS) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar
Alam has urged European nations to set positive agendas for EU-Bangladesh
trade relations beyond relentless misinformation campaign by certain
quarters.
“Bangladesh and EU (European Union) 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”, he said.
The State Minister made the remarks while addressing a multi-stakeholder
event titled “EU-Bangladesh Apparel Trade: A Time for a Reality Check” held
at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday, a press release said
here today.
Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the European People’s Party,
Tomas Zdechovsky, 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 highlighted the RMG industry’s significant contribution to
Bangladesh’s economy and society, including turning its female workforce into
real agents of change.
“The sea change in the RMG industry in Bangladesh in the last seven years
particularly has been the result of the collective efforts by many dedicated
actors,” he said.
He underscored the RMG industry’s remarkable resilience and strength in
course of nearly four decades despite many challenges from both within and
outside.
Maximilian Krah, MEP 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.
During the panel discussions, President of Bangladesh Garments
Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) Dr. Rubana Huq shared various
steps taken by BGMEA to promote well-being, financial inclusion and family
support for the RMG workers.
BGMEA chief said the RMG industry in Bangladesh is open for partnership
and has nothing to hide as far as workers’ safety and remediation measures
are concerned.
Professor Michael H. Posner from the Stern School of Business, New York
University stressed the need for examining the role of international business
instead of creating ‘exaggerated pressure’ on the factories in source
countries in a ‘policing mode’ of monitoring.
Dan Rees from Better Work Programme at the ILO headquarters acknowledged
the progress made in Bangladesh’s RMG industry.
Bangladesh’s Ambassador in Brussels, Mohammed Shahdat Hossain and former
BGMEA President and member of the Advisory Committee of Commerce ministry
Shafiul Islam Mohiuddin, among others, spoke on the occasion.
Prior to the meeting, Shahriar held separate bilateral meetings with
Zdechovksy MEP and Milan Zver MEP where they discussed the recent political,
economic and social developments in Bangladesh.