Dhaka: H&M Group, one of the largest fashion retailers in the world, and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) entered into a partnership to collaborate in achieving shared goals around sustainability in the garment sector. The partnership is aimed at accelerating the transition towards a circular and climate neutral garment industry in Bangladesh.

In this regard, Helena Helmersson, CEO, H&M Group and Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA, on May 31 inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the capital on behalf of their respective organisations, read a press release.

As per the MoU, BGMEA and H&M Group will make joint efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain and decrease carbon footprint in the supply chain.

The partnership will support BGMEA's vision to facilitate a 30 per cent reduction of GHG emissions at an industry level by 2030, the release added.

Both sides will work together in developing and implementing a strategic roadmap for industry transformation into circular and climate neutral practice.

On the occasion, Helena Helmersson, CEO, H&M Group, said, "We need to collaborate and take joint responsibility of our industry. By joining forces and building strong partnerships like this, we will be able to accelerate the well-needed change of the industry and together tackle shared challenges connected to circularity and decarbonisation."

Faruque Hassan, President, BGMEA, said, "Bangladesh's garment industry is making continuous strides towards going green and is already a global leader with the highest number of green garment factories in the world. As the largest trade association for the garment industry, BGMEA is committed to make every possible effort to promote sustainability in the sector and carry forward its achievements."

"H&M Group, being one of the leading brands sourcing from Bangladesh, contributes immensely toward environmental, social and economic matters. I hope this collaboration will add pace to our journey toward sustainability. This partnership also reflects the strong commitment of Bangladesh's apparel industry to grow in a sustainable manner to have positive impacts on the industry, the economy and climate," he added.

From H&M Group, Ziaur Rahman, Faisal Rabbi, Yosef El Natour, Karin Lind, Adam Karlsson were also present at the MoU signing ceremony.

BGMEA Vice President Shahidullah Azim, Vice President Miran Ali, Directors Barrister Shehrin Salam Oishee, Inamul Haq Khan (Bablu), Neela Hosna Ara and Chair of BGMEA Standing Committee on Foreign Mission Cell Shams Mahmud attended the signing ceremony as well.