Dhaka:The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has urged the World Bank to enhance its funding and program scope for sustainable water management to aid the green transformation of the country's ready-made garment (RMG) sector.
According to United News of Bangladesh, this appeal was made during a high-level meeting at the BGMEA Complex in Uttara, Dhaka. The meeting involved BGMEA President Mahmud Hasan Khan and a World Bank delegation led by Mara K Warwick, Regional Director for Sustainable Development for the South Asia Region.
The discussions reviewed the 'Dhaka Water Security and Resilience Programme' and its $5 million Viability Gap Funding pilot initiative. Initially, BGMEA proposed 31 factories, but the World Bank selected eight for the program's rollout. Highlighting the sector's interest, BGMEA's president called for an increase in both the funding and the number of beneficiary factories.
The BGMEA emphasized that efficient water management is crucial for international trade competitiveness, particularly as global buyers demand data on water reduction and recycling in apparel production. Adopting modern water-efficient technology is essential for protecting Dhaka's water resources and maintaining a competitive edge in global markets.
The BGMEA also addressed the challenge of high initial capital expenditure for green projects, urging international partners like the World Bank to offer grants, soft loans, or zero-interest financing to support these investments. They proposed solutions for SMEs, such as cluster-based treatment facilities and using tankers for waste removal, and called for program expansion beyond Dhaka to other industrial hubs.
BGMEA leaders stressed the importance of policy predictability to facilitate long-term eco-friendly investments. The World Bank delegation expressed a positive reception to the proposals and assured ongoing support for the RMG sector's sustainable transition.
Prominent attendees included BGMEA Director Dr. Md Hasib Uddin and several specialists from the World Bank.