Netherlands reiterates support to Bangladesh RMG sector

09 Aug '13

2 min read

The Netherlands has reiterated its support to Bangladesh readymade garment (RMG) industry to help it gain compliance with regards to several working and safety standards.

During a meeting with Speaker Dr. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhary at her Parliament office, Netherlands Ambassador in Dhaka Gerben Sjoerd de Jong said Netherlands aims to extend full support to help Bangladesh RMG industry to improve the working conditions and safety standards, particularly upgrading fire safety measures at their factories, Bangladesh’s news agency BSS reported.

Highlighting on the importance of the RMG sector in development of Bangladesh, and also the role it plays in women empowerment and establishing workers rights, the envoy stressed on the need to address working environment and safety related issues in RMG units.

In this connection, Ms. Chaudhary noted that Bangladesh Government has taken several special measures for developing the garment industry, and has also formulated laws in lines with the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions to address workers’ safety issues.

The envoy’s assurance follows the assurance extended by the Netherlands’ Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Lilianne Ploumen during her last month’s visit to Bangladesh.

During her visit, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked between the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Trade and Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) University of Fashion and Technology (BUFT).

Under the MoU, the Netherlands Government undertook to extend technical expertise to Bangladesh RMG sector to help it comply with occupational safety and health, environmental management, corporate social responsibility, innovative leadership and good governance norms.

The Minister stressed on the need for joint efforts and acceptance of responsibilities by all the stakeholders of the industry including producers, Government, textile industry, global buyers and even the consumers to break the inhuman cycle and ensure better working standards and safety and decent wages at RMG units.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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