A meeting between local apparel leaders and that of International Apparel Federation (IAF) is scheduled to take place in Dhaka tomorrow (Thursday), sources said.
The status of Accord in the country, trade policy especially that of European Union's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and possible impact of Brexit will be high on the agenda of the meeting, they added.
Improving apparel buyers-suppliers relations and their sourcing practice, the third pillar of sustainability compact-responsible buying and buyers' continuous pressure for reduction in prices of locally-made apparel, despite a huge investment in the ongoing safety activities, are among other issues to be placed at the meeting.
IAF president Han Bekke and its secretary general Matthijs Crietee arrive in Dhaka today (Wednesday) to attend the meeting.
During their two-day visit, the IAF leaders will hold meeting with leaders of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) on Thursday, the sources said.
When asked, former vice president of BKMEA Mohammad Hatem said the IAF top leaders will visit Bangladesh for the first time and meet with two trade bodies of the apparel sector.
"I had raised the third pillar of sustainability compact which has long been almost absent or less discussed compared to two others including workers' rights and workplace safety in the IAF's last meeting," Mr Hatem, also a member of the board of directors of IAF, said.
Brands and buyers are pressing the apparel makers to reduce apparel products' prices to offer low-rated garments to consumers, he alleged. If they (buyers) don't give fair prices of apparels to manufacturers, how they (makers) could ensure fair wages for workers and their other rights, he added.
The meetings will discuss these points along with other burning issues including Accord, improving bilateral relations and cooperation, he noted.
After almost 40 years, the IAF has become the world's leading federation for apparel manufacturers, their associations, and the supporting industry.
IAF's membership now included apparel associations from more than 40 countries representing over 150,000 companies who provide products and services to the apparel industry.
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