BGMEA, GIZ forge strategic partnership to accelerate green transformation of apparel sector
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and German International Cooperation Agency, GIZ have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening sustainability, energy efficiency, and circularity in Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry, reinforcing the sector’s global competitiveness and long-term resilience. The MoU signing ceremony was held today at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, marking the first formal strategic agreement between the two organizations dedicated specifically to the comprehensive development of the country’s garment industry, said a press release.
The agreement will remain effective from May 2026 to February 2028 and establishes a broad framework for technical cooperation focused on green industrial transformation. The agreement was signed by BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and Gundolf Klaehn on behalf of GIZ Cluster Coordinator Thomas Rolf. Senior representatives from both organizations attended the ceremony, including BGMEA Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan, Vice President Mohammed Rafiq Chowdhury, Director Shah Rayid Chowdhury, Director Sheikh Hossen Mohammad Mustafiz, Director Enamul Aziz Chowdhury, alongside GIZ Bangladesh officials including Michael Klode and Md. Tanveer Masud.
Under the partnership, BGMEA and GIZ will jointly implement a range of technical initiatives in coordination with the Ministry of Commerce, the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), and the Department of Environment (DoE). The cooperation is designed to align industrial growth with international sustainability benchmarks and climate commitments. A major focus of the collaboration is the energy transition of the apparel sector. Initiatives including Energy Efficiency for Development (EE4DEV), Technical and Vocational Education and Training for Renewable Energy (TVET4RE), and the Project Development Programme (PDP) will support renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency improvements in garment factories.
These projects will be complemented by the Skills for Sustainable Employment (SKILLs4SE) programme, aimed at upgrading workforce capabilities to meet emerging industrial demands. The MoU also prioritizes circular economy practices, compliance, and worker welfare through projects such as Sustainability in the Textile and Leather Industries (STILE II), Skills for self-Monitoring and Compliance with Clean and Fair Production in the Textile Industry (SCAIP), Social Protection for Workers in the Textile and Leather Sector (SOSI), and the CIRCLE initiative.
These programmes are expected to strengthen environmental accountability, improve social protection mechanisms, and enhance textile waste management systems. The agreement outlines several strategic areas of cooperation, including preparation for evolving European Union market requirements related to supply chain due diligence, traceability, and decarbonization.
The Responsible Business Helpdesk (RBH) will also receive institutional support to improve compliance readiness among manufacturers. Additional areas of collaboration include advanced environmental and chemical management, regular energy audits, technical workforce training, digitalization of worker protection systems, transparent textile waste marketplaces, and greater adoption of international technologies for sustainable manufacturing.
Gender inclusion has also been identified as a key pillar of the partnership. Both organizations will work to strengthen the “Shakti Kanya” network to increase women’s participation in engineering, technical, and leadership positions within the apparel industry. To ensure effective implementation and accountability, BGMEA Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan has been appointed as the focal point for German technical cooperation. GIZ will coordinate directly with BGMEA’s specialized working groups on circularity, decarbonization, energy efficiency, data systems, and responsible business practices.
Speaking at the event, BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan described the partnership as a major step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s reputation as a sustainable manufacturing destination. “This partnership will serve as a milestone in establishing the Bangladesh garment industry as a responsible and eco-friendly global hub,” he said.
GIZ reaffirmed its commitment to providing sustained technical assistance to support the green transformation of Bangladesh’s apparel sector. Industry stakeholders believe the collaboration will further strengthen the country’s position as a reliable sourcing destination for international brands by enhancing compliance with global environmental and ethical standards.
