The representatives of global apparel brands and buyers have raised concerns over several pressing challenges for business in Bangladesh, including weak brand protection, restrictive credit facilities for imports and the absence of a dedicated green energy plan for the garment and textile sector.

At a meeting with chief advisor’s special envoy Lutfey Siddiqi at his office in Dhaka on Thursday, they called on the government to address the issues as part of its broader strategy for economic development and sustainability.

The buyers’ representatives said that it was the first time they had had the opportunity to engage directly with the government at a ministerial level.

They expressed full support for the government’s agenda on labour standards and rejected the notion that their pricing policies could hinder efforts to improve wages.

Underscoring the importance of the apparel industry, Siddiqi expressed gratitude for the constructive engagement and contributions of the buying community during a period of challenges and change.

He also conveyed cautious optimism, highlighting metrics such as export volumes, remittances and cargo handlings, which have defied expectations, showing double-digit growth compared to the previous year.

Siddiqi said that other factors, such as law and order, labour relations and liquidity seemed to be improving but still required close monitoring.

He also said that while structural constraints like port infrastructure, energy infrastructure and skill gaps would take longer to resolve, reforms in decision-making processes should enable faster progress than before.

Representatives from several prominent international companies took part in the dialogue, including Ziaur Rahman of H&M Bangladesh, Vikramjeet Singh from Gap Inc and Rezwan Murshed representing Carrefour.

Other participants included Jan Rossel of Sports Group Denmark, Rajib K Islam Chowdhury from Allure Sourcing Limited and Jessica Nursoo of VF Corporation.

Additionally, Moyeen Chowdhury of Puma SE (World Cat Limited), Mehtap Mir of Otto International and Brunhilde Descamps of Auchan contributed to the discussions.

Other participants included Md Abdulla Al Rumi of Stanley Stella, Javier Santonja from INDITEX, Jose Manuel Martin from El Corte Inglés S A, Jesus Bernal from Tape ‘a L’oeil, Wieke Gerhold of Eurocentra, Lucie Abt from Celio Sourcing and Samit Roy Nandy of Decathlon.