DHAKA, Jan 21, 2025 (BSS) - A high-level delegation from the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the Fair Labor Association(FLA) visited the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) today.

The visit aimed at discussing workers' rights issues and exploring ways to enhance the partnership between the US and Bangladesh in the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. 

The BGMEA delegation, led by Administrator Anwar Hossain and joined by members of the Support Committee-Miran Ali, Asif Ashraf, Rezwan Selim, ANM Saifuddin, Shehabudduza Chowdhury, and Shams Mahmud-engaged in discussions with the AAFA and FLA representatives, said a BGMEA press release.
 
The meeting highlighted opportunities for cooperation in fostering a more sustainable and ethical RMG industry in Bangladesh while strengthening trade relations with the United States. 
 
They discussed elaborately the issues of workers' rights, workplace safety, labor law and reforms in Bangladesh.
 
Several key areas, including increasing trade access for Bangladeshi apparel in the U.S. market, promoting responsible purchasing practices, and the industry's impressive progress in sustainability initiatives, got due importance in the meeting. 
 
The delegation also explored potential collaborations in workers' training programs and initiatives to further enhance worker welfare in the RMG sector. 
 
During the meeting, BGMEA urged AAFA, which represents over 1,000 globally renowned brands, retailers, and manufacturers, and FLA to promote responsible purchasing practices that benefit both buyers and suppliers.
 
BGMEA also requested AAFA's support in advocating for Bangladesh's trade interests in the US market, ensuring continued growth and mutual benefit. 
 
The delegation appreciated Bangladesh's progress in workers' rights and the government's initiatives of forming the labor reform commission and labor law reforms. 
 
The delegation included Nate Herman, Senior Vice President - Policy, American Apparel & Footwear Association; Shelly Han, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, Fair Labor Association; Ismail Murad, Manager - Corporate Social Responsibility, Bangladesh & Jordan, Columbia Sportswear Company; Kate Miller, Social Impact Manager, KMD Brands Limited; Tayob Muhammed, Head of Finance/HR, Bangladesh, Perry Ellis International; Stella Mondol, Social Compliance Officer, Bangladesh, Perry Ellis International; Viola Wan, Director of Social Sustainability, Puma; Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Manager of Social Sustainability, Bangladesh, Puma; Moyeen Chowdhury, Branch Manager - Apparel & Accessories, Bangladesh, Puma; Bushra Baten, Manager - Corporate Responsibility, Bangladesh & Pakistan, PVH; Jessica Nursoo, Regional Director - South Asia and Indonesia, VF Corporation; Tiffany Rogers, Director - Innovation and Development, Manufacturing, Fair Labor Association; Chaimae Azmi, Fair Compensation and Member Engagement Manager, Fair Labor Association; and Hannah Larson, Social Compliance Associate, Fair Labor Association.