Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) must continue to work together on labour reforms, State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam has said.

He also emphasised on following a roadmap to promote safety, efficiency and sustainability in the RMG industry, and on developing a compact on fair prices.

The State Minister made the remarks while addressing a multi-stakeholder event titled “EU-Bangladesh Apparel Trade: A Time for a Reality Check” held at the European Parliament in Brussels on Wednesday.

It was hosted by Tomas Zdechovsky, a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) from the European People’s Party, in collaboration with the Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here on Thursday.

Zdechovsky took the initiative to create a platform for discussions on the current status of EU-Bangladesh apparel trade in his capacity as a member of the European Parliament’s International Trade Committee (INTA) as well as Delegation for Relations with the counties of South Asia (DSAS).

Bangladesh is the second largest of readymade garment products after China. In 2018, it exported $19.32 billion worth of garment items to the EU.

Shahriar said the sea change in the RMG industry in Bangladesh in the last seven years particularly has been the result of the collective efforts by many dedicated actors.

He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina envisions a Bangladesh where equity and social justice prevails in a prosperous economy, and our social partners work together for a harmonious industrial relations management.

The State Minister highlighted the RMG industry’s significant contribution to Bangladesh’s economy and society, including for turning its female workforce into real agents of change.

He underscored the industry’s remarkable resilience and strength in course of nearly four decades despite many challenges from both within and outside.

Published On : 06-02-2020

Source : UNB