PROGRESS project promotes sustainable growth in RMG industry

Leaders from across the ready-made garment (RMG) industry gathered in Dhaka for a pivotal day-long dialogue and exhibition, determined to accelerate sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity while driving higher environmental and social compliance standards.

The event was organised under the PROGRESS project (Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector through Skills), funded by the embassies of Sweden and Switzerland and implemented by Swisscontact Bangladesh. More than 200 participants joined, including factory owners, international clothing brands, local service providers, industry associations, financial institutions, NGOs, and development partners.

Opening the event, Swisscontact Bangladesh Country Director Helal Hussain said: "ESG compliance is no longer optional; it is essential for remaining competitive in the global supply chain. This green transition is not just about compliance; it is also about climate, as Bangladesh is one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world."

Nayoka Martinez Bäckström, Head of Cooperation (in charge) at the Embassy of Sweden, emphasised that sustainability should be viewed as a shared journey and highlighted the need for greater involvement by regulatory authorities.

During the programme, five factory sustainability reports, supported by PROGRESS, were unveiled, showcasing tangible improvements in environmental and social standards. Wahiduzzaman, General Manager of Al-Islam Garments, emphasised the importance of transparency, safe workplaces, fair labour practices, and environmental responsibility, noting progress made in each area.

The exhibition featured booths by advisory service providers and a panel discussion titled "Navigating the Path to Net-Zero by 2050: A Reality Check for the RMG Sector." Through discussions, stakeholders agreed on concrete next steps, including developing action plans for renewable energy adoption, promoting sustainable financing solutions, enhancing technical capacity-building programs, and establishing frameworks for shared responsibility between brands and factories. These outcomes were highlighted as immediate priorities to advance the sector's competitiveness and sustainability.

Currently, renewable energy accounts for just 5.71% of Bangladesh's power mix. The government aims to increase this to 40% by 2041 and achieve carbon neutrality in the power sector by 2050. Speakers emphasised that progress in the RMG sector will be crucial to achieving these national goals.