Primark, DFID team up to improve factory conditions

British retailer Primark and the Department for International Development of the UK have announced a partnership to improve working conditions in Bangladesh's garment factories.

The partnership, which was announced on Wednesday, will combine the presence, networks and expertise of both the organisations to improve the health and wellbeing of Bangladeshi workers, bolster national economic development and help alleviate poverty.

Primark, in a statement, said it will also launch a similar programme in four other countries -- Pakistan, Myanmar, Ethiopia and India -- where both of the organisations have operations.

But, neither Primark nor DFID stated when and how the programme would be launched.

A large part of the programme will focus on creating positive change for women working in the developing world by way of gender equality training in the garment sector.

The fashion and textile industries are the second largest employer after agriculture in developing markets, employing many female workers.

Research shows providing these women with education and training is a driver of positive benefits for their families and the wider communities in which they work, the statement said.

Subsequently, both Primark and DFID will concentrate on achieving transformative change across three key areas -- women's economic empowerment, market development and disaster response.

Primark also said it will develop ethical and sustainable garment sectors in sourcing countries that contribute to national economic development and poverty alleviation.

Regarding disaster response, Primark and DFID will share lessons from response to the Rana Plaza disaster, including Primark's work with local partners in Bangladesh to provide short-term and long-term support to the victims and their families.

Paul Lister, who is responsible for Primark's ethical trading team, and Desmond Swayne, minister of state at DFID, signed the letter of intent on behalf of the two organisations.

“At Primark, we are committed to ensuring that the people who make our products work in good conditions are treated properly and paid a fair wage,” Lister said.