Dhaka Apparel Summit 2017: An Open Dialogue on the Textile and Apparel Industry in Bangladesh

​​​​​​​An international apparel summit is all set to take place in Dhaka with the objective of opening dialogue on framing strategies to secure a more sustainable apparel supply chain from local and global perspectives. The event styled “Dhaka Apparel Summit 2017” will be held on 25 February 2017 at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Honorable Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the daylong event organized by Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) in collaboration with Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE).

The Dhaka Apparel Summit is a prime event on textile and apparel industry in Bangladesh that brings together some of the world’s leading experts in their respective fields to share their experiences and visionary thoughts on issues pertaining to the apparel industry and ways in which the business can realize sustainable growth well into the 21st Century. The main focus will be on the apparel industry of Bangladesh, on its recent transformation and suggestions to chalk out sustainable development. As Bangladesh is a part of global apparel supply chain, the global important apparel issues will also be discussed in the summit.

The Summit will hold three panel discussion sessions, offering a more open and inter-active environment, and allowing full audience participation and the opportunity for a valid exchange of ideas. The seminars will be attended by representatives of the Government, international organizations, economists, brand representatives, development organizations, employers, workers’ representatives, civil society members, academics, and media from home and abroad.

Apart from local experts, some international experts will also take part in the lively panel discussion on different topics in the seminars:

·        H. E. Pierre Mayaudon, Ambassador & the Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh

·        H. E. Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat, U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh

·        Christopher Woodruff, Professor of Development Economics University of Oxford

·        Tim Worstall, Senior Fellow Adam Smith Institute

·        Martin Rama, Chief Economist, South Asia Region, World Bank

·        Helena Helmersson, Managing Director, H&M Group, Hong Kong

·        Thomas Klausen, CEO, Dansk Fashion & Textile

·        Dr. Jochen Frank Weikert, Head of Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards in the Industry (PSES) GIZ, Bangladesh

·        Srinivasa B Reddy, Country Director, ILO, Bangladesh

·        Peter McAllister, Executive Director, Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)

·        Jill Tucker, Head of Supply Chain Innovation & Transformation, C&A Foundation

·        Gilbert F. Houngbo, Deputy Director-General of the ILO

Their discussion will shed light on different timely issues, including Bangladesh RMG industry which is at the dawn of a new era in its development, with strides being taken towards achieving sustainable targets. The summit will offer a forum to express and discuss views with a broad spectrum of proposals to further improve the industry’s sustainable credentials. It also aims to bring about various methods to achieve these goals.

Session Agenda for Dhaka Apparel Summit 2017

10.30 am – 1.00 pm
Inaugural ceremony to be attended by the chief guest Honourable Prime Minister Government of people’s Republic of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina

2.00 pm – 3.30 pm
Session-1: Business Policy & Environment: Towards a Better Bangladesh
In recent years, the economic growth in Bangladesh has exceeded expectations. In fiscal year 2015-16 the GDP growth reached 7.11%. The government is making efforts to pursue ambitious investment target to raise the GDP growth to 8% by 2021. Several projections and assessments by global financial institutes tell Bangladesh to become a manufacturing hub if the country can improve its trade competitiveness. This session will discuss about business climate in the country and policies required to support its growth potentials. The discussions will explore the priorities to move toward industry led economic growth, particularly in the area of conducive business environment and predictable policies as well as meeting growing infrastructure needs.

3.45 pm – 5.15 pm
Session-2: Collaborative and Responsible Sourcing For Sustainable Growth
In the global supply chain, all need a mutually beneficial, predictable and responsible business practices and actions by all stakeholders to ensure sustainability. This requires closer cooperation. Agenda 2030 for global sustainable development speaks of inclusive development and resilient industrialization. These issues are also in focus in various global forums, e.g. UN, OECD and G7. The other side of the coin is that fierce competition among the buyers and suppliers not necessarily is healthy and sustainable for all stakeholders in the supply chain. This session will discuss the importance of stakeholders’ collaboration and economics of sustainability for meaningful persuasion of sustainability agenda within the apparel supply chain.

5.30 pm – 7.00 pm
Session-3: Bangladesh Apparel Industry: Transformation and the Road Ahead
Bangladesh’s apparel industry has taken great strides against many internal and external challenges. In the recent years, the industry has been making tangible progress in occupational health and safety as well as structural integrity and harmonious industrial relations. There remains more to be done. The panelists in this session will share their perspectives on transformation, challenges faced and the road ahead. The session will also highlight the importance of modernization and resilience of the industry and moving up the ladder of responsible value chain for creating better opportunities for all.

7.05 pm – 7.15 pm
Closing remarks

Brief info:
Event: Dhaka Apparel Summit 2017
Date: 25 February 2017; 10.00 am – 7.15 pm
Venue: Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka / Bangladesh

For more info please visit: www.dhakaapparelsummit.com

Click here for downloading the press material from dropbox: http://bit.ly/DhakaApparelSummit_2017

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