A delegation from Australia’s largest single apparel buyer, Kmart, met with Mahmud Hasan Khan, President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) at its Uttara office on Monday.
The organization has been sourcing garments from Bangladesh for a long time. This information was given in a press release from the organization.
The delegation included Kmart’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer Tristram Gray; Head of Ethical Sourcing Albert Young; and Ethical Sourcing Manager of Kmart Australia and New Zealand and Target Australia Obaid Gazi.
The meeting was also attended by BGMEA’s Senior Vice President Enamul Haque Khan, Vice President Md. Rezwan Selim, Vice President (Finance) Mizanur Rahman, Vice President Md. Shihab Uddoja Chowdhury, Director Faisal Samad, Director Nafis-ud-Daulah, Director Sheikh Hossain Mohammad Mostafiz.
The main objective of the meeting was to find opportunities for cooperation in building a sustainable garment industry. The discussion focused on the priorities of BGMEA in building a sustainable industry. How Kmart can come forward in these areas was also discussed.
At the meeting, Kmart’s Chief People and Corporate Affairs Officer Tristram Gray said Kmart values its long-standing business relationship with Bangladesh and is committed to increasing cooperation in new areas in the future.
At the meeting, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan said sustainability is one of the priorities of BGMEA and its board has been in dialogue with all labor federations to build sound industrial relations soon after assuming office.
He highlighted the various steps taken by BGMEA for the welfare of workers. At the same time, he also spoke about the ongoing initiatives of BGMEA to enhance the competitiveness of the industry through technological development, innovation and skill enhancement.
The BGMEA President emphasized on the formulation of a unified code of conduct to build a sustainable industry. He sought Kmart’s cooperation in formulating a unified code of conduct for the garment industry.
He said that a unified code of conduct will simplify the audit process, reduce pressure on factories and make the industry more ethical, sustainable and responsible.
BGMEA leaders said Australia is a very promising market for Bangladesh while enjoying duty-free access to Australia’s market. Both sides also discussed how to further increase garment exports from Bangladesh to Australia.
The meeting also discussed issues such as organizing fairs and sending trade delegations to Australia to expand the market in Australia.
