BGMEA, OS Hub sign MoU

Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and international organization Open Supply Hub (OS Hub) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening transparency in the country's apparel sector and digitally presenting factory information on the global supply chain platform.

The agreement is expected to enhance Bangladesh's global image as one of the world's leading apparel exporting nations by making production-related information accessible through an open-source international platform.

The MoU was signed virtually on Sunday. BGMEA Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan and Senior Director of Programs of OS HUB Hannah Lenett signed the MoU on their respective side, said a BGMEA press release today (11 May).

According to the agreement, the two organizations will work jointly to create an integrated digital database platform that will enable international buyers and stakeholders to directly access information on the location, product categories and special capabilities of Bangladesh's garment factories.

The initiative is expected to serve as a strong tool for global sourcing and business connectivity.

Under the MoU, information and locations of BGMEA member factories will be incorporated into OS Hub's global supply chain mapping platform. 

Each factory will receive a "Universal OS ID" through the OS Hub algorithm, helping global brands, retailers and researchers accurately identify factories and ensure greater data transparency.

The agreement also includes capacity-building initiatives, including online workshops and training programmes for factory owners and managers to improve digital profile management skills.

In addition, the partnership aims to reduce repetitive audit and reporting requirements by improving interoperability and information exchange among different platforms.

OS Hub is an internationally recognized organization that operates a global supply chain mapping platform to ensure open access to supply chain information. 

The BGMEA officials said the partnership would further strengthen traceability and data accuracy throughout the apparel production and marketing process.

Speaking at the event, Hannah Lenett said the partnership would provide each factory with a unique digital profile that would not only ensure data accuracy but also highlight factories' social and environmental progress to the global market.

"We believe this initiative will help international brands and retailers make informed sourcing decisions and position Bangladesh's apparel industry as more modern and responsible," she said.

BGMEA Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan described the partnership as a milestone in building a transparent and traceable supply chain.

Referring to the European Union's stricter sustainability-related legal requirements and changing global trade conditions, she said reliable data has become an essential business necessity rather than an optional issue.

"This agreement will increase the visibility of our member factories in the global market and further establish Bangladesh as a sustainable sourcing destination," she added.

Addressing the occasion, BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury said supply chain transparency is the foundation of sustainable trade.

He said the initiative with OS Hub would make accurate information about Bangladesh's manufacturing sector more easily accessible worldwide and help the country meet transparency and data assurance requirements under emerging international legal frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).

Both sides expressed optimism that the partnership would help Bangladesh present itself as a modern and technology-driven sourcing destination to international buyers.

Chairman of BGMEA Trade Fair Committee M. Sazedul Karim and senior officials from both organizations attended the event.