UK launches 3 projects for RMG sector in Bangladesh

DHAKA, April 2, 2014 (BSS) - Visiting UK Minister for International Development Alan Duncan today identified rapid growth of Bangladesh's garment sector beyond regulations as its biggest problem as he announced the launching of three projects to help improve working conditions and safety standards for RMG units in the country.
"The biggest problem is the size . . . they (RMG units) grew in huge number beyond regulations," he told a press briefing while announcing the new British funding for improved working and safety standards for the sector.
He said the collapse of Rana Plaza last year had shone a spotlight on working conditions in the garment industry and all stakeholders must join hands to improve the scenario for continued investment to the sector.
"There has been some progress, but still we need a long way to go . . . this year has to be the year to improve the conditions of the sector, which grew over the last 25 years in Bangladesh," Duncan said.
He said the Europe-centric buyers' forum ACCORD with 150 signatories decided to buy garment products for the next two years while measures would be underway to address the vulnerability of workers and improve working conditions.
"We must not forget that the garment sector remains vital to poverty reduction . . . It is worth over 13 billion pounds, and provides over four million jobs for people, 70-80 percent of whom are women. The garment industry supports a further 25 million people," he said.
Duncan announced the three projects to run under the UK aid- funded Trade and Global Value Chains Initiative for partnerships between buyers, factory owners, and civil society to improve working conditions with a British funding worth 1.8 million pounds.
One of the three projects is aimed to help all levels of staff, factory owners, management, supervisors and workers to work together to improve the working environment and productivity in their garment factory, addressing issues such as fire safety, absenteeism, working hours, take-home pay and efficiency.
The second of the projects would provide training for middle management to improve knowledge and understanding of labour and safety standards, and how to apply these in their garment factories.
The third project would focus on improved healthcare and, training nurses who work in factory clinics to increase the range of services they provide and provide advice to workers, expecting also to enhance the competitiveness of garment factories as a healthier workforce helps factory performance.
Earlier today, Duncan visited survivors of the collapsed Rana Plaza building and the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralyzed in Savar, which receives funding from the UK aid.
"Almost a year on from the collapse, it was inspiring to hear how the survivors have fought to maintain their dignity and reestablish their livelihoods, despite such severe, crushing injuries and psychological trauma. We can all learn from their stories," Duncan said.