B Mirror Report: The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the German development agency GIZ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance sustainability, energy efficiency, and circular economy practices in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry.

The agreement, signed at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, establishes a strategic framework for technical cooperation aimed at supporting the green transformation of the country’s apparel sector and strengthening its global competitiveness. The partnership will remain effective from May 2026 to February 2028.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and GIZ representative Gundolf Klaehn, on behalf of Cluster Coordinator Thomas Rolf, signed the agreement in the presence of senior officials from both organizations.

Under the MoU, BGMEA and GIZ will work with the Ministry of Commerce, Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), and Department of Environment (DoE) to implement initiatives focused on energy transition, renewable energy adoption, and improved energy efficiency in garment factories. Key programmes include Energy Efficiency for Development (EE4DEV), TVET for Renewable Energy (TVET4RE), and Skills for Sustainable Employment (SKILLs4SE).

The collaboration also emphasizes circular economy practices, compliance, and worker welfare through projects such as STILE II, SCAIP, SOSI, and CIRCLE, aimed at improving environmental responsibility, waste management, and social protection for workers.

Other focus areas include preparation for EU market requirements on supply chain due diligence and decarbonization, digitalization of compliance systems, environmental and chemical management, and advanced training for the workforce. Gender inclusion will also be promoted through strengthening the “Shakti Kanya” network to increase women’s participation in technical and leadership roles.

BGMEA Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan has been appointed as the focal point for German technical cooperation to ensure effective implementation of the initiatives.

BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan described the partnership as a milestone for positioning Bangladesh as a sustainable manufacturing hub, while GIZ reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sector’s green transformation through continued technical assistance.

Industry stakeholders expect the initiative to further enhance Bangladesh’s reputation as a responsible and compliant sourcing destination for global apparel buyers.