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  3. Building Resilient and Sustainable RMG Factories: PROGRESS Workshop Gathers Industry Stakeholders for Advancing Competitiveness in Global Markets

Building Resilient and Sustainable RMG Factories: PROGRESS Workshop Gathers Industry Stakeholders for Advancing Competitiveness

Bangladesh
Upskilling and Reskilling, Labour market insertion, Green cities

Sayeda Zeenat Karim, PROGRESS, Bangladesh27.05.2025

On 22 May 2025, PROGRESS project—supported by the Embassy of Sweden and the Embassy of Switzerland—hosted a workshop titled “Thread of Change: Building Resilient and Sustainable RMG Factories Together”. The event brought together RMG partner and new factory leaders, consultancy service providers, and to exchange ideas and strategies for advancing competitiveness, climate action, and workforce development in Bangladesh’s RMG sector.

The workshop focused on aligning efforts around sustainability, green skills, and gender inclusive leadership— specifically aimed at Tier-2 and Tier-3 RMG factories.  

Opening Speech by Ms. Farzana Amin, Team Leader, PROGRESS, Swisscontact
"The green transition begins with ownership—at the factory floor, in management systems, and within our local partnerships. Decarbonisation isn’t a standalone agenda; it’s embedded in how we build resilience, stay competitive, and lead responsibly."
Farzana Amin, Team Leader, PROGRESS
Mr. Ikramul H. Sohel from the Embassy of Sweden delivers closing reflections, reaffirming the role of inclusive partnerships in driving Bangladesh’s green transition

Industry Voices: A Panel Grounded in Practice

A dynamic panel discussion featured senior representatives and decision makers from TEAM Group, Urmi Group, Everbright Sweater Ltd, and Renaissance Group, sharing operational insights and forward-looking strategies. Topics included resource optimisation, ESG integration, women’s leadership, and evolving demands from global brands.

The session highlighted systemic barriers such as workforce turnover, skill gaps, and limited adoption of advanced technologies. The panelists emphasised the need for stronger internal leadership pipelines and cross-functional teams to anchor sustainability more deeply in factory operations.

Strengthening Local Consultancy Ecosystems

A highlight of the workshop was the introduction of PROGRESS-supported Technical Consultancy Service Providers (CSPs), offering affordable, context-specific technical assistance to RMG factories.

These CSPs play a vital role in helping the partner RMG factories meet global standards by delivering services in ESG reporting, productivity, green skills, and energy management.

Participants highlighting context-specific constraints and opportunities

The service providers introduced included:

  • NBM International Ltd – ESG reporting and carbon accounting
  • SusNex Ltd – GRI-certified reporting and water stewardship
  • SGS Bangladesh Ltd – Environmental and social auditing
  • EQMS Consulting Ltd – Compliance and renewable energy planning
  • R&G 3rd Eye – Workforce development using digital tools
  • Groyyo Pvt Ltd – Operational improvement and green training
  • Rajesh Bheda Consulting (RBC) – Productivity and women’s leadership
  • Intertek Bangladesh – ESG assurance, social compliance audits, and buyer-aligned certification

The overall impacts of the interventions reflect PROGRESS’s commitment to developing a consultancy ecosystem capable of delivering scalable, quality-assured solutions aligned with international standards.

Peer Learning Through Breakout Exchanges

Parallel breakout sessions facilitated peer learning across four key themes: Green Financing, Technology Transfer, Energy-Efficient Solutions, and Women’s Leadership. These discussions reflected a clear demand for integrated technical support, accessible co-investment models, and gender-responsive solutions that can be embedded within factory systems. Participants shared practical insights on strengthening in-house capacity and underscored the importance of aligning operational strategies with long-term sustainability goals.

As PROGRESS moves forward, the project remains focused on continuous dialogues and consultations with relevant stakeholders and RMG factories, scaling tested solutions, strengthening local service provision, and embedding gender-inclusive, data-driven strategies

Breakout Group Writing Key Points on Flipchart
2022 - 2026
Bangladesh
Upskilling and Reskilling, Labour market insertion, Green cities
Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector Through Skills (PROGRESS)
The project seeks to promote a sustainable and inclusive RMG sector that prioritises secure and decent employment (60% women) while adhering to global standards in technology and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) compliance.
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