Bangladesh’s apparel sector needs to focus on adopting cleaner production methods and enhancing transparency to uphold its competitiveness in global markets as the nation approaches the transition from least developed country (LDC) status. This advice was shared by Steven Collet, the vice-minister for international cooperation of the Netherlands, on Monday.
During a tour of TEAM Group’s outerwear manufacturing facility, 4A Yarn Dyeing Ltd, in Dhaka, Collet emphasized the importance of factories in the garment industry aligning competitiveness with accountability to secure their future within global value chains.
A delegation of seven officials from the Netherlands visited the factory to explore potential collaborations in sustainable apparel production and trade in the face of evolving global trade regulations and increasing sustainability demands.
Afroza Shahin, the managing director of TEAM Group, and Abdullah Hil Nakib, the deputy managing director, greeted the Dutch delegation warmly.
The discussions with the senior management of TEAM Group encompassed various topics such as Bangladesh’s LDC graduation, a proposed free trade agreement between Bangladesh and the European Union, decarbonization, responsible sourcing practices, supply chain transparency, and compliance with upcoming sustainability standards set by the EU.
Furthermore, both parties explored opportunities for partnership with Dutch apparel brands and development partners in areas like clean energy initiatives, circular economy practices, digital product documentation, and workforce development programs.
Collet commended the factory’s commitment to clean energy and transparency, expressing the Netherlands’ eagerness to sustain its collaboration with Bangladesh to cultivate a sustainable and inclusive textile industry.
He remarked, “Witnessing 4A Yarn Dyeing’s investments in clean energy and transparency was truly inspiring.”
Afroza highlighted the significance of investments in sustainability for maintaining the competitiveness of the apparel industry, noting the longstanding partnership with the Netherlands in advancing towards safer, fairer, and environmentally friendly production practices.
She emphasized, “The shifting trade dynamics and energy challenges underline the importance of sustainability investments today for securing market positions in the future.”
TEAM Group expressed its anticipation in strengthening ties with the Netherlands to further enhance sustainability efforts.
The delegation had the opportunity to observe the factory’s initiatives such as the rooftop solar power system, rainwater harvesting infrastructure, fair price outlet, and childcare amenities.
Notably, 4A Yarn Dyeing holds LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council and is recognized as the first outerwear manufacturing facility globally to endorse the United Nations Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action.
Among the delegation were Wampie Libon, the ambassador for sustainable development and director of Inclusive Green Growth at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Joris van Bommel, the Dutch ambassador to Bangladesh; Helal Hussain, the country director of Swisscontact Bangladesh; Selim Reza Hasan, the country manager of Solidaridad Network Bangladesh; Bablur Rahman, the Bangladesh country manager of Fair Wear Foundation; and Muyeed Hasan, the country manager of AWARE Bangladesh.
