In a recent event at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, apparel entrepreneurs in Bangladesh expressed optimism about setting more ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption, contingent on collaboration from buyers and supportive government policies.
This observation was made during the Circular Textile Trade Mission Matchmaking Session held on February 12, organised by the Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh in partnership with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange.
The session brought together representatives from 15 Dutch companies specialising in circular economy practices and renewable energy, alongside Bangladeshi apparel entrepreneurs, garment brands and investors. Key attendees included members of the BGMEA Support Committee, leading figures from the garment industry and Thijs Woudstra, the Deputy Head of the Netherlands Embassy in Bangladesh.
This event marked the inaugural trade mission from the Netherlands to Bangladesh as part of the Netherlands Circular Textile Programme, aimed at enhancing collaboration in the textile sector. During the matchmaking session, participants engaged in discussions about innovative solutions for textile waste management, improving labour conditions, recycling, traceability technologies and circular design, focusing on how Dutch innovations could be effectively implemented in the Bangladeshi context.
The discussions underscored the significance of adopting circular business models to tackle environmental challenges within the fashion industry. Participants highlighted that such models could significantly reduce waste and the industry’s environmental footprint, contributing to broader sustainability goals.
Bangladesh’s apparel sector is actively involved in various circularity initiatives, including the Switch to Circular Economy (Switch2CE) project, which promotes the recycling of pre-consumer textile waste and sustainable resource utilisation.
To bolster Bangladesh’s reputation as a responsible sourcing destination, the Netherlands government is committed to supporting the country’s apparel industry in overcoming its challenges. The Circular Textile Trade Mission Matchmaking Session was specifically designed to bridge the technological gap between Bangladeshi garment manufacturers and Dutch companies, fostering collaborative efforts in the textile sector.
Both Dutch and Bangladeshi companies expressed a strong interest in collaborating towards renewable and sustainable energy production, signalling a promising direction for the future of the industry.
