Participants at the summit on Tuesday underscored the need for ensuring optimum use of resources of apparel and textile industries and adoption of circular practices for the sake of suitable economic growth.

They made the remarks at the 2nd Bangladesh Circular Economy Summit organised by the Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE) in collaboration with German development cooperation agency GIZ and in association with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh at Radisson Blu Water Garden, Dhaka.

They underlined the importance and ways of transitioning from a linear economic model to one that prioritises resource efficiency and waste reduction.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Textiles & Jute minister Jahangir Kabir Nanak said that “Bangladesh apparel industry has come a long way in terms of sustainability. For the development of our country, it largely depends on the apparel and textile industry.

“There have been tremendous safety improvements in the industry. The country's apparel industry is taking a lead in responsible business. While we are going forward, we need to ensure it is sustainable. Collaboration will be key for circularity and progress,” he added.

Nanak also said that “We have only one earth. It is our responsibility to protect it also for our future generation. We have to ensure optimum use of our resources.”

Special Guest former President of BGMEA Siddiqur Rahman said "Collaboration between brands and manufacturers is very important to promote the circular fashion. We are your partners. I'm requesting all the brands, please increase your price a little.  Otherwise, we cannot survive."

He added that Bangladesh has come a long way in circularity and sustainability. “Our industries maintain the highest standards. The apparel entrepreneurs are adopting sustainable practices and there are more than 200 certified green garments and more 500 are awaiting certifications. “

“Bangladesh is also focusing on a circular economy by reducing materials use and focusing more on recycling. We require support from the developed countries for know-how and technology sharing on circularity. Bangladesh is a sustainable and reliable partner,” he also said.

Thijs Woudstra, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Bangladesh shared “To move one step forward towards circularity, we need to extensively and contextualize the ways to integrate robust visibility systems throughout the supply chain. This will ensure the formation and quality of materials, meeting the regulations and consumer demand for increased transparency from environmental factors.”

“The garments industry of Bangladesh is a powerhouse. By working together, we can unlock the potential of circularity in the economy.”
Jan Janowski, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Germany in Bangladesh said that ““It is high time for Bangladesh to think about more ambitious reforms. Certainly, businesses are often leading the way as pioneers in different sectors. But of course, institutions, governments, and cities also play a very crucial role in creating and enabling the conditions for a circular economy. 

“Investing in sustainable production of the circular industries is not only a responsible business decision but also a strategic one that can position Bangladesh further as a leader in sustainable manufacturing and enable industries to play in the global marketplace including Germany and EU.”

Mostafiz Uddin, Founder & CEO, Bangladesh Apparel Exchange said “In 2016, it was the first time I wanted to do a study on waste percentage, and it was so difficult to find out the waste percentage in Bangladesh. We all have a big role to achieve a collective vision for Bangladesh.”