First, is any of this even ethical? Second, how is Shein retailing clothing so cheaply?
Over the past two or three years, we have seen a huge backlash against sustainability marketing in the West.
What is more important: being a successful, financially viable business, or being a sustainable business?
And while cost reduction is essential, it should not come at the expense of product quality.
Advocacy efforts in Bangladesh have been part of the national dialogue centring wages for several decades.
International buyers can rest assured they can place orders here with confidence.
If it’s left to garment suppliers, the green transition will take decades.
While carbon offsetting has gained momentum and support, it is not without its share of critics.
How can we reduce CO2 emissions associated with our industry?
I am not ruling out the possibility of Bangladesh being granted a place in the GSP+. I would rather argue that we need to also prepare for a time when we can stand on our own two feet as far as international trade is concerned. To do this, I believe we now need to make faster moves on bilateral Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and also preferential trading agreements (PTAs) with some of our existing trading partners, where we can negotiate mutually gainful benefits and opportunities. It is a new game that our government and businesses must start preparing for.
In theory, this sounds like a good idea, but it is not so straightforward.
There is anecdotal evidence that investment is taking place to upgrade operations to meet the demands of international customers.
The discussion on holding the largest emitter to account was notably lacking at the conference.
As garment makers, we cannot afford to absorb all cost increases along the supply chain.
My biggest worry in this situation is for our RMG workers, who are among the most vulnerable parts in the global fashion supply chain.
Global energy challenges are continuing to impact Bangladesh's garment industry.
By limiting ourselves to these two markets, we are missing out on a whole world of opportunities.
Climate change is a problem which was (largely) made in the West, but we are feeling its impacts in countries like ours more than ever.