Experts gathered at a recent program emphasised the vital importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in enhancing business performance, expanding trade opportunities, and attracting foreign investments, particularly in Bangladesh’s Readymade Garments (RMG) sector. The discussion, titled Driving Sustainable Growth and HR Excellence, was organised by Freshly Simple Malaysia and Eco Thinkers Malaysia, with support from Trade and Investment Bangladesh (TIB).
Md Joynal Abdin, the founder and CEO of TIB, moderated the session, which aimed to equip businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to integrate sustainability into their operations effectively. Dr. Saleh Shadman, representing Eco Thinkers Malaysia, emphasised the alignment of sustainability initiatives with core business objectives to achieve tangible results.
Rodney Barretto of Barretto Bangladesh highlighted that ESG compliance is critical for the expansion of businesses not only within the EU market but globally. He discussed the necessity of supply chain due diligence, particularly within the RMG sector, to meet sustainability goals and maximise business returns.
Sheryl Barretto from Freshly Simple Malaysia stressed the importance of a skilled workforce, both in technical competencies and in soft skills. She asserted that Bangladesh must develop a robust training and development action plan to meet the evolving needs of the RMG industry, which is a key pillar of the country’s economy.
Additionally, Md Saiful Alam, director of Renaissance Group and vice president of Brazil Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce and Industry, emphasised that in industries like RMG and textiles, HR excellence is crucial for empowering the workforce to drive sustainability initiatives effectively.
The session provided actionable insights for integrating ESG principles into business strategies, particularly within the RMG sector, to ensure long-term growth and resilience in an increasingly competitive global market. As Bangladesh continues to lead in garment exports, embracing sustainability practices will be essential for maintaining its competitive edge and fulfilling international market demands.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
