EU buyers agree on unified code for Bangladesh RMG sector

31 Jul '13

2 min read

The buyers from the European countries have agreed to work under a ‘unified code of conduct’ for ensuring workplace safety at readymade garment (RMG) factories in Bangladesh.

A four-member team comprising of Monika Kemperle of IndustriALL, Aleix Gonzalez of Inditex, Philip Chamberlain of C&A, and Christy Hoffman of UNI, currently on a three-day visit to Dhaka, held discussions with the representatives of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) and the Bangladesh Employers Federation.

Addressing media persons after the meeting, BGMEA president Md Atiqul Islam said the representatives of the buyers of ‘European Accord’ reached consensus on ‘unified code of conduct’, and the participants gave their consent in establishing the unified code to monitor the workplace safety at garment manufacturing units across the country.

Mr. Islam said seven issues were discussed at the meeting, including nomination of a BGMEA member to the steering committee of the ‘European Accord’, setting up a fund for relocation of garment units and inspection of the existing buildings.

At the meeting, the EU team stressed on establishing a sound and sustainable environment for the Bangladesh apparel sector, Mr. Philip Chamberlain said.

In the aftermath of the tragic Rana Plaza building collapse that killed over 1,100 people, garment buyers from the EU countries have reached a consensus on establishing a good working environment for garment workers.

Around 80 EU retailers who source garments from Bangladesh have also signed a memorandum of understanding, commonly called the ‘Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh’.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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