Dialogue with Lutfey Siddiqi: RMG global brands, buyers voice concern

Staff Reporter :

Chief Advisor’s Special Envoy Lutfey Siddiqi welcomed representatives from global brands and buyers of ready-made garments for a dialogue at his office on Thursday.

Emphasising the importance of the garment industry, Siddiqi expressed his gratitude for the buying community’s constructive engagement and contribution during challenging times, according to a press release from the Chief Advisor’s press wing.

He conveyed cautious optimism regarding key economic indicators such as export volumes, remittances, and cargo handling, which have shown double-digit growth compared to the previous year.

While law and order, labour relations, and liquidity appear to be improving, these areas still require close monitoring, Siddiqi added.

He acknowledged that structural issues like port infrastructure, energy, and skill gaps would take longer to resolve but assured that reforms in decision-making processes should enable faster progress.

During the meeting, the buyers’ representatives noted that this was the first time they had engaged directly with the government at a ministerial level. They raised concerns about weak brand protection, restrictive credit facilities for imports, and the lack of a dedicated green energy plan for the sector.

The buyers expressed full support for the government’s labour standards agenda, refuting claims that their pricing policies hinder better wages.

They also highlighted that global brands, with their on-the-ground observations, are well-positioned to project the evolving story of Bangladesh to international audiences.

Special Envoy Siddiqi thanked the buyers for their support, particularly in countering disinformation in certain areas.

Among those present at the meeting were Ziaur Rahman of H&M and Javier Santonja of Inditex, as stated in the press release.