Amfori, a global risk management facilitator, has presented a new action plan aimed at reducing repeated audits in the supply chain and easing the associated financial burden on manufacturers.

The plan was disclosed by Amfori’s Head of Business Development and Network, John Stellansson, during a meeting with the acting president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), Enamul Haque Khan, at the association’s Uttara office in Dhaka on August 6, according to a BGMEA statement.

Amfori encouraged local producers and manufacturers to take a more active and leading role in the social and environmental due diligence process.

The meeting also discussed the development of a unified standard to support sustainable growth and streamline audits in the garment sector.

Presenting the action plan, Stellansson said it places greater responsibility for sustainable development on suppliers and manufacturers, enabling factories and brands to better predict supply chain performance and lead times.

Welcoming the initiative, Mr Khan reaffirmed BGMEA’s commitment to creating a unified code of conduct for social and environmental standards in the garment industry.

He underscored the importance of a unified audit framework to prevent duplication and improve efficiency, calling it a key concern for manufacturers.

Both sides agreed that close cooperation, knowledge sharing, and the launch of a pilot programme are essential to making supply chain audits more effective, cost-efficient, and transparent.