B Mirror Desk : Enhancing energy efficiency through greater reliance on renewable resources is crucial for the competitiveness of the country’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector in the global market, as highlighted by speakers at an industry consultation workshop on Monday. They emphasized the importance of fostering strategic partnerships among stakeholders, including brands, financial institutions, technology providers, and donors, to promote sustainable solutions.

These comments were made during the workshop titled ‘Supporting Bangladesh’s RMG Sector in Green Energy Transition,’ organized by the Initiative to Stimulate Private Investment for Resource Efficiency (InSPIRE), a challenge fund program executed by Swisscontact with backing from the Embassy of Sweden, held at a hotel in the capital. Key speakers included Maria Stridsman, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Development Cooperation at the embassy, Bidowra Tahmin Khan, Team Leader of InSPIRE, and Ikramul H Sohel, Senior Programme Officer at the embassy.

Approximately 80 professionals from various sectors, including local and international brands, academia, and financial institutions, participated in the workshop. Maria Stridsman noted that InSPIRE was launched in February this year to assist RMG manufacturers in their transition to energy efficiency through green practices. She likened InSPIRE to a newborn, stating it is resilient and does not require excessive resources, but for it to thrive, it needs openness, innovation, and collaboration.

Emphasizing the critical role of transformation in energy efficiency, she noted that it would significantly affect Bangladesh’s economy, environment, and social progress. ‘The transformation that many of you are currently undergoing, or are about to embark on, is essential for maintaining Bangladesh’s competitive edge globally,’ she stated to the audience.

During her keynote address, Bidowra Tahmin Khan explained that the fund would be granted to eligible applicants who meet specific criteria. The funds will be disbursed in phases as milestones are achieved, she mentioned. After her presentation, attendees asked various questions regarding the fund and the requirements for accessing it. Set to run from 2025 to 2028, InSPIRE is a four-year program aimed at promoting the green transformation of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) sector, with a focus on small and medium-sized factories.

The initiative aims to encourage the implementation of energy-efficient and renewable energy practices, ensuring that these factories meet global Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.