The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) has launched a structured engagement initiative for small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) apparel manufacturers, aiming to enhance their competitiveness, sustainability and long-term resilience through stronger collaboration with industry stakeholders and development partners.
BGMEA recently hosted an interactive dialogue with SME member factories, providing a platform for manufacturers to discuss key business challenges and explore practical solutions in areas including buyer engagement, compliance, renewable energy and sustainable manufacturing.
The initiative reflects BGMEA’s recognition of SMEs as a vital pillar of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment (RMG) industry and its commitment to strengthening their capacity to compete in an increasingly demanding global marketplace.
The session was chaired by Faisal Samad, Director of BGMEA, and attended by Rumana Rashid, Director of BGMEA. Representatives from development organisations, international brands and industry associations also participated, including Nuria Lopez, Chairperson of EuroCham Bangladesh; Elisa Benistant, Technical Officer – Just Transition at the International Labour Organization (ILO); as well as representatives from GIZ, GAP and other development partners.
Participants exchanged views on the evolving needs of SME manufacturers, focusing on improving market access, strengthening compliance capabilities, adopting renewable energy solutions and promoting sustainable business practices.
BGMEA said the dialogue marks the beginning of a more structured approach to identifying the priorities of SME members and developing partnerships that can help remove barriers to growth. The association aims to facilitate greater collaboration among manufacturers, global brands, financial institutions, service providers and development partners to deliver practical, industry-driven solutions.
At the conclusion of the session, BGMEA formed a dedicated working committee to advance the initiative. Rumana Rashid was appointed Director-in-Charge, while Md Rubayet Ahmed, Chairman of BGMEA’s Standing Committee on SMEs, will lead the committee alongside other members.
BGMEA also announced plans to organise similar engagement sessions regularly as part of its broader efforts to improve the ease of doing business and strengthen the competitiveness of Bangladesh’s SME apparel sector. The association said insights gathered through these discussions will help shape future support programmes and policy initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability, productivity and global market readiness.
