Originally posted in The Daily Star on 12 December 2021
The embassy of Sweden in Dhaka and the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) have partnered up for a project that aims to facilitate a green transition in Bangladesh’s garments industry.
The partnership will also work for a “just transition” in the sector, meaning that a range of social interventions will be made to secure workers’ rights and improve their livelihoods.
Sweden is committed to enhancing the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s textile and apparel industries through improved social and environmental compliance, said Christine Johansson, head of development cooperation at the Swedish embassy, according to a press release.
The project’s main objective is to facilitate climate neutral growth and create productive employment opportunities for women and youths in the country, she added.
Johansson and Fahmida Khatun, executive director of the CPD, recently signed the agreement on behalf of their respective parties at the Swedish embassy.
Highlighting the project’s importance, Fahmida said that ensuring employment for women and youths alongside a green transition are crucial for sustainable economic growth.
Bangladesh is committed to securing sustainable economic growth and so, ensuring environmental compliance in the industrial sector can help the country achieve its goals in this regard, she added.