The EU ambassador to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, emphasized the significance of the EU Due Diligence Directive for the country’s readymade garment (RMG) sector saying that the directive underscored the need for Bangladeshi exporters to adhere to human rights and environmental standards when trading with the European Union.

Whiteley highlighted the directive’s relevance in light of Bangladesh’s upcoming graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) status in 2026.

The directive requires companies exporting to the EU to thoroughly assess and address human rights and environmental concerns within their operations and supply chains.

Whiteley noted that EU policies, including the European Green Deal and the EU Climate Law, serve as guiding frameworks for such initiatives.

Speaking at the third policy dialogue of the Sustainable Fashion Platform by Sweden, Whiteley emphasised the importance of scaling up the partnership between Sweden and Bangladesh in renewable energy, particularly in relation to the RMG sector.

This dialogue aimed to bolster cooperation between the two countries in sustainable practices within the fashion industry.

During his digital introductory remarks, Swedish Minister of Foreign Trade and International Development Cooperation, Johan Forssell, emphasized, “The RMG sector in Bangladesh is of high strategic and economic importance for both of our countries.”

He also expressed Sweden’s readiness to support and partner with Bangladesh in the green transition of the RMG sector, underscoring the longstanding and friendly relationship between Sweden and Bangladesh and highlighting sustainability as a central element in future relations.

In her speech on behalf of Team Sweden, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde stated, “We see great potential for Sweden and Bangladesh to cooperate within the area of renewable energy and in identifying opportunities, green solutions, and sustainable financing mechanisms to increase the availability of renewable energy for the RMG industry.”

Speaking as the chief guest, State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid emphasised that “ensuring sustainability and decarbonization in the apparel industry has become an existential issue for Bangladesh.”

He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in finding proactive solutions rather than reactive measures.

The high-level Policy Dialogue focused specifically on the establishment of Corporate Power Purchasing Agreements (CPPAs).

Swedish RMG brands associated with the Sustainable Fashion Platform, including H&M Group, Ikea, and Lindex, jointly presented on the topic, highlighting the significance of CPPAs for the green transition and continued competitiveness of the RMG sector in Bangladesh.

Md Mahbubur Rahman, Chairman of Bangladesh Power Development Board (BPDB), and Abdullah Hil Rakib, Vice President of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), among others, also delivered speeches during the event.