BGMEA Seeks US Govt Support To Ensure Fair Minimum Garment Price
Bangladesh garment exporters have sought support and collaboration of the US government to ensure fair minimum price of apparel and a unified code of conduct for social audits.
This was conveyed by office bearers of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in a meeting with United States Trade Representative (USTR) delegation.
“BGMEA also urged the delegation to reinstate GSP+ for Bangladesh and include apparel products in its GSP+ programme,” a BGMEA press release informed.
The USTR delegation discussed with BGMEA office bearers, the labour action plan provided by the US government.
“The USTR team also discussed the required changes in Bangladesh Labour Act to ease the trade union registration process and to address the unfair labour practices,” New Age BD quoted sources as saying.
The USTR delegation handed over an 11-point Bangladesh Labour Action (BLA) plan to Commerce Secretary Tapan Kanti Ghosh.
It urged the Bangladesh government to implement the plan in order to avail duty-free benefits and access to funds of the US International Development Finance Corporation.
During the discussion, the BGMEA President shared updates on the progress made by the apparel industry regarding workplace safety, workers’ rights and the ongoing labour law reforms in Bangladesh.
He reiterated the commitment and the ongoing efforts of the government of Bangladesh and of the industry to make further progress in workers’ rights and welfare issues.
