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The event opened with a compelling address by Helal Hussain, Country Director, Swisscontact Bangladesh, who underscored the urgency of collaborative action to scale up renewable energy adoption in the RMG sector. He said, “The RMG sector is at a critical juncture where sustainability is no longer an option but a necessity. The InSPIRE project is designed to catalyse private sector investments, ensuring Bangladesh’s position as a global leader in sustainable apparel production”.
Maria Stridsman, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Sweden, highlighted the economic and environmental advantages of energy efficiency in the RMG sector. She said, “The cheapest and cleanest energy is the energy saved. If factories can reduce their energy consumption by even 10-20%, it will be a game-changer for both cost savings and sustainability”. She further emphasized that the InSPIRE project will empower female workers through skill development in green technologies while providing financial incentives for factories adopting renewable energy solutions.
Kjell Forsberg, Head of Trade, Private Sector, and Financial Instruments at Sida, stressed the need for mobilizing private sector investments to drive the green transition. He said, “Public funding alone cannot drive the green transition in the RMG sector. Private sector investment is necessary, and reducing financial risks is key to encouraging factories to adopt renewable energy solutions”.
During the project presentation, Mohammad Sakib Khaled, Senior Manager - Portfolio Development, Swisscontact Bangladesh, reinforced the project's long-term vision. He said, “We envision a future where Bangladesh’s RMG sector leads in sustainability. Collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and development partners is key to making this vision a reality”.
A dynamic panel discussion examined the financial and technical challenges of transitioning the industry to renewable energy. The session featured insights from distinguished panelists:
Md. Akhtar Hossain Apurba and Md. Rezwan Selim reflected on the commitments of RMG factories in advancing sustainability, emphasizing optimized resource utilization and an accelerated green transition.
Md. Arfan Ali addressed the challenges of green financing, stressing the need for accessible financial mechanisms to support sustainability initiatives. Ishtiaque Ahmed mentioned the critical role of private sector investment in facilitating this, he said, “Energy transition requires significant investment, and financing mechanisms must be tailored to support factories. Blended finance models can reduce investment risks and encourage factories to adopt renewable energy solutions”.
Rafia Sultana emphasized brand involvement in driving sustainability, noting that energy efficiency enhances both operational efficiency and global competitiveness. Syeda Ishrat Fatema highlighted the development significance of energy-efficient initiatives and their role in fostering industrial resilience.
Moderated by Bidowra Tahmin Khan, Team Leader, InSPIRE, the session addressed regulatory challenges, investment barriers, and innovative solutions to enhance resource efficiency in the RMG sector.
Delivering the closing remarks, Jakob Granit, Director General of Sida, reiterated the urgency of transitioning to renewable energy to meet global sustainability standards. He said, "The RMG sector is crucial for Bangladesh’s economy, but to comply with Europe’s strict environmental regulations, it must transition to renewable energy. Without this shift, competing in the global market will become increasingly difficult”. He further affirmed Sweden’s commitment to strengthening Bangladesh’s industrial sector through sustainable investments, ensuring that the “Made in Bangladesh” label becomes a global symbol of sustainability and quality.
The InSPIRE: Initiative to Stimulate Private Investment for Resource Efficiency project aims to accelerate Bangladesh’s transition to sustainable industrial practices by supporting energy efficiency and renewable energy adoption in the RMG sector. Funded by the Embassy of Sweden, the project focuses on:
Through its innovative approach, InSPIRE seeks to position Bangladesh as a global leader in sustainable garment manufacturing, ensuring economic growth while mitigating climate impact.
Read more:
1. Urgent call for accelerating energy transition in Bangladesh’s RMG sector
2. Accelerate energy transition in RMG sector: speakers
3. Experts call for accelerating energy transition in Bangladesh’s RMG sector
4. Experts for accelerating energy transition in Bangladesh’s RMG sector