Antalya:Prime Minister's Special Assistant Dr Saimum Parvez has emphasized the need for concessional long-term financing, fair pricing for green products, and supportive trade regulations to aid vulnerable countries in pursuing green industrialisation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Dr Parvez, during a session on green industry at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31) in Antalya, highlighted Bangladesh's achievements in green industrialisation. He pointed out that the country has the largest number of LEED-certified factories globally, with over 290, including more than 120 with a Platinum rating.
Bangladesh's strides in green industry are further exemplified by having over half of the world's top 100 highest-rated green factories, including the top-scoring garment factory. As part of its green initiatives, industries in Bangladesh have installed more than 600 megawatts of rooftop solar capacity, mainly within garment and textile factories.
Dr Parvez also noted the government's renewable energy strategy, which aims to produce 10,000 megawatts of solar power and increase the share of electricity from renewable sources to 20% by 2030 and 30% by 2040. To support these efforts, the government has removed duties and taxes on solar equipment, introduced low-cost financing, and ensured fair pricing for rooftop electricity sold to the grid.
Additionally, Bangladesh is developing a national carbon market, planting 250 million trees, and restoring 20,000 kilometers of rivers and canals. Dr Parvez called on international buyers and brands to share the costs of the green transition by providing fair prices and stable orders, which would support factories adhering to high environmental standards.
As Bangladesh prepares to graduate from the least developed country category by 2029, Dr Parvez stressed the importance of introducing new environmental standards in major markets with adequate time and support to ensure they create opportunities rather than barriers for developing nations. Despite accounting for less than 0.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, Bangladesh is committed to setting an example in green industrialisation.