BRAC University (BRACU) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the implementation of the second phase of Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) project.
BKMEA Senior Vice President Mansoor Ahmed and BRACU Registrar Dr. David Dowland signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations at the BKMEA Dhaka office on Wednesday.
The second phase of the project is being implemented by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) of BRAC University and funded by the Laudes Foundation and GIZ, according to a press release.
The project is also supported by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of Bangladesh.
Collaboration between BRACU and BKMEA is a continuation of the first phase of MiB (2017–2022), where BKMEA played the crucial role of "strategic partner" of the project and provided tremendous support for the collection of factory data from BKMEA member factories all over Bangladesh.
The project has built a digital map at www.mappedinbangladesh.org for export-oriented RMG entrepreneurs to showcase their products and skills to a global audience. With the help of this digital technology, MiB will help bridge the Bangladeshi RMG sector with international markets.
MiB is also promoting transparency and traceability by digitising the supply chain of the apparel industry and visualising it for the world.
With the support of all industry stakeholders, Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) expects to create a digital ecosystem that connects fashion designers, manufacturers, suppliers, brands, buyers, and consumers in Bangladesh and all over the world.
The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from BRAC University, BKMEA, Laudes Foundation, and GIZ, among others. The MoU marks an important milestone in the mission to promote the Bangladeshi RMG industry worldwide, which contributes significantly to the country's economic growth.
