bgcci magazine: gsr issue

Congratulates

for becoming the esteemed600th member

Emerging Bangladesh

Volume 2 Issue 3

Oct.-Dec. 2014

The business magazine of the Bangladesh German

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Emerging

Bangladesh will be published four times p.a. by the

Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Publisher

Sakhawat Abu Khair on behalf of Bangladesh German

Chamber of Commerce & Industry It is distributed free of

charge to members and qualified non-members in

Bangladesh and abroad.

Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce &

Industry German House, 1st Floor, House: 10/C,

Road 90, Gulshan 2, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh

Tel +88 02 8826480, Fax +88 02 8824858

[email protected],

www.bgcci.com,

www.eurochamber.bangladesh.com,

*All opinions expressed in articles do not

necessarily reflect the views of BGCCI

Features & Advertisement

Tawhidur Rashid

Photography

Din Muhammad Shibly

Design & Layout

Linework

Printed at

Binimoy Printers Ltd.

CONTENTS

Editorial 3

Opening Remarks 4

BGCCI Events 6

Members of BGCCI 12

DBL

Green Delta Life Insurance Co. Ltd.

DHL-Global Forwarding Ltd.

Person of Interest: Tobias Becker 16

Sustainable Competitiveness & Bangladesh 20

Special Interview: Sarwat Ahmad 24

Fire Safety: Interview of Md. Monjur Morshed 26

Essay: Behind the Paravent 28

Cover Focus 32

Global Social Responsibility Conference 2014: Overview and Profiles

Feature: Colors from Chars 42

Painting for Joy 44

SR Asia Conference 46

03{Emerging Bangladesh} bgcci.com

The theme of the 3rd GSR Conference participants with insights shared by our 2014 is “Shareholder Value VS Social distinguished key note speakers and Responsibility”. I personally consider panelists. Many of the companies who this topic a very time appropriate one. participated were benefited with the ideas

shared from global thought-leaders and For decades, businesses around the change makers.world are focused on making quick

profits without pondering much over We believe the 3rd GSR Conference will the sustainability issues. Many of those provide us a better opportunity to reach ventures proved to be bane for the out to businesses that like to give back to environment and community they the society and environment. Insights operated in and couldn’t thrive after and stories from real life business cases sometime. On the other hand, will help them realize about their businesses which cared for viable potential and help them come up with growth not only managed to stand the proper solutions to problems they are test of time; but also kept enriching the already facing. That is why panels like people and planet besides making RMG & Fire Safety, Leather Industry, profits. What does this history teach us? Environment, Social Protection of It shows that shouldering the Workers and TVET are very important responsibilities helps us in the long run in today’s context.whereas denying them in the name of As Bangladesh dreams to become a making profits will take us nowhere. middle income country by 2021, it must With the first GSR Conference in 2010, adopt the best possible solutions with its we wanted to create a platform where limited resources to ensure the German Businesses would ‘seek and find’ sustainability of businesses that will answers to questions pertaining to their back its economy for days to come. GSR sustainability needs. In 2013, with the 2nd Conference provides a platform to GSR Conference we wanted to widen our discuss about those solutions. Read on horizon and shared the European and keep enriching us with your valuable perspective with our participants. The opinions.conference helped us think bigger as we looked through a green lens at the Thank you.possibilities, barriers and solutions to build a green economy. We discussed on topics like Water, Energy, Waste and Daniel SeidlCompliance, which helped the Executive Director

FROM THE EDITOR

“Yes, the planet got destroyed. But for a beautiful moment in time we created a lot of value for shareholders.”

“We believe the 3rd GSR

Conference will provide us a

better opportunity to reach out

to businesses that like to give

back to the society and

environment.”

OPENING REMARKS

Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry why it is important to understand the idea properly even before will achieve two milestones this year. First one is celebrating its some company try to implement it in their businesses. BGCCI is 600 members. The chamber that started like many other working towards that goal to make the idea vastly understood in chambers with a small number of members can now boast to the business community with its Global Social Responsibility

rdbe the biggest bilateral business chamber of the country. Over Conference 2014. This is the 3 GSR Conference, which proves the period of its glorious journey, the chamber not only that businesses have welcomed and appreciated the initiative connected business and diplomacy successfully on many twice before. However, the journey is long and with each passing occasions but also brought businesses together. Making new year, as we face new difficulties and challenges, we need to members is that tough; but what demands a lot of effort is reconsider our ideas and learning and adjust it with the need of retaining those members. Hundreds of companies from the present situation.Bangladesh, Germany and Europe have joined hands with this

What Ready-made garments sector has done for this country is chamber as they believed it had something valuable to offer.

simply amazing. The success story can be repeated with the Yes, besides providing very essential visa services and business

leather and leather-goods sector. The latter, however, is already matchmaking, we at the chamber have always wanted to add

under international scrutiny for compliance and environmental something extra to our offer basket. Something really precious

safety issues. This is why we need to talk about these sectors that will not only benefit them today, but also for many days to

where stringent regulations of environment and worker-friendly come. This is where BGCCI's second milestone comes.

practices can strike gold. Therefore, this year's two most Global Social Responsibility- these words are not just some mere important panels are RMG and Fire Safety and Leather Industry. business jargon. For a burgeoning and vibrant business Other panels like Environment, Social Protection of Workers community of Bangladesh, this is answer to many of their and Technical Educational Vocational Training are also very serious problems of today. As worldwide philanthropy and important to meet the challenge of better work place charity become widely popular, for corporations ensuring social everywhere. BGCCI is thankful to its cooperation partner GIZ responsibility can be tricky. Is it the same as charity? Or it is better and Platinum Sponsor the Embassy of the Kingdom of or worse than charity? Many questions can pop up. Truth be told, Netherlands and Supporting sponsor TUV Rheinland for misconceptions and manipulations can and has blurred the fine providing us with right kind of support, advice and expertise to line that exists between charity and social responsibility. Which is make the conference a successful event.

AchievingMilestonesAchievingMilestonesBy Sakhawat Abu Khair,BGCCI President

{Emerging Bangladesh} April - June 201406

BGCCI EVENTS

The Foreign Trade Association of group; Posh Garments Ltd.; Spectrum retain its position owing to shortage of German Retail Trade, IHK, German Lanka technology Solutions Ltd.; manpower and higher production costs.Asia Pacific Business Association and Walton Hi-tech Industries Ltd.; Fairdeal According to the speakers, Bangladesh Bangladesh-German Chamber of Resources Ltd. ; Lunar Eclipse will achieve the McKinsey & Company's Commerce and Industry organized a International; Padma Bowling Ltd.; predicted $44.56 billion garment export seminar in Stuttgart on 22nd September Really Corporation Ltd. by the end of 2020.to discuss about the Sustainable The seminar was attended by the German Currently, Germany is the top Management in textile and apparel exporters from these three countries. In destination of Bangladeshi garment industry in Bangladesh, Myanmar and the seminar, the retailers expressed their products of the 28 European Union Ethiopia. The BGCCI delegation optimism that Bangladesh would nations, with almost all of its major included Hedayetullah Al Mamoon, continue to be a hotspot for garment retailers that include Hugo Boss, Adidas, Honorable Senior Secretary to the sourcing for its price competitiveness and Olymp, KiK, s.Oliver and Gerry Commerce Ministry; Md. Atiqul Islam, quality products. Furthermore, garment Webber now sourcing from Bangladesh. BGMEA President and representatives exports from Bangladesh would continue The country exported $4.38 billion of from Robintex (Bangladesh) Ltd.; to grow and that too at a faster rate, as garment items to Germany in fiscal Karben Solar Energy Ltd.; Northern China, the world's largest apparel 2013-14, according to the Export Tosrifa Ltd.; Sarah International; Giant supplier. China at present is struggling to Promotion Bureau.

RMG Delegation Took Place in Stuttgart

In the picture: From Left: A. Rauf, Commercial Counsellor, Bangladesh Embassy in Germany; Dr. M. Brauch, Honorary Consul of Bangladesh in Baden Wuerttemberg; F. Siddiqui, Senior Vice President, BGCCI; H. Al Mamoon, Senior Sec re ta ry, M in i s t r y o f Commerce Bangladesh; P. Friedrich, Minister for Bundesrat, Europe and international Affairs, Germany; A. Islam, President, BGMEA; Daniel. Seidl, Executive Director, BGCCI.


The German Embassy in Bangladesh

organized the celebration of the 24th

Reunification Day of Germany on 21st

October 2014. BGCCI was the sponsor

of the event. The event was hosted by

Chargé d'affaires Dr. Ferdinand von

Weyhe of the German Embassy. Abul

Hassan Mahmood Ali, Minister of

Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh was the

Chief Guest of the event. Distinguished

diplomats, businessmen and media

personnel also graced the event. Dr.

Ferdinand felicitated all the guests at the

august ceremony. he praised the vibrant

private sector of Bangladesh and

extended special thanks to BGCCI for

sponsoring the event with the help of its

Gold members. 18 Gold Member

companies from BGCCI displayed their

products at the venue. These are: Akij

textile, Asrotex Ltd., BASF Bangladesh,

DBL group, DHL Global Forwarding,

Eastman Technocrafts Ltd., Electromart,

Energ ypac, Ger man Univers i t y

Bangladesh, Giant Group, Green Carbon

Ltd., Heidelberg Cement, Huntsman

Singapore, Metro Knitting Ltd., Prime

Insurance Ltd., Staedtler Ltd., Mercedes

Benz, and Superstar Ltd. Among the

German Institutions, namely GIZ, KFW,

FES, FNS, Goethe Institut, DAAD

participated with their respective booths.

BGCCI

Sponsored

German

National

Day 2014


Dr. Fardinand von Weyhe, Charge d’Affaires of German Embassy with Honorable Foreign Minister Abul Hassan Mahmud Ali in various pictures at the celebration event of German National Day 2014. Also, snippets of distinguished guests, BGCCI Gold Member stalls and Team BGCCI


Pro Vice Chancellor of the Eastern University, Professor success, Binod K. Chaudhary said, his success pyramid is Abdul Hannan Chowdhury, Ph.D. invited Binod K. based on five pillars, namely personal life, family life, Chaudhary, Nepal's first Billionaire and Daniel Seidl, social life, public and professional life. He also advised Executive Director of Bangladesh German Chamber of students not to procrastinate and to believe in themselves. Commerce & lndustry (BGCCI) to speak about Further he stated that, the idea of social business touched entrepreneurship and leadership at a seminar before the his heart and he was very happy that Professor Chowdhury business students. is a great teacher in this field.ln his speech, the Chairman of Chaudhary Group Mohammad Enyaet Ullah, Chairman, Board of Trustees explained why one has to be a dreamer and follow his or and Professor Dr. Abdur Rab, Vice Chancellor of the her heart. He mentioned that markets with a difficult University shared with the students their valuable thoughts environment provide huge opportunities. Emerging on time management. Professor Rab said, besides a good Markets like Bangladesh give you the chance to explore idea, an experienced team, financing and timing play your ideas and add value to the customers. He advised the decisive role for being successful. They invited Binod K. students to use that momentum today and go foruvard Chaudhary and Daniel Seidl to lecture at the university in with their ideas. "The key to success is discipline," he future.added.Daniel Seidl from BGCCI said that Bangladesh is in a way a lot like Germany where 80% of enterprises are of small and medium sizes. According to him, what entrepreneurs need are: vision, passion, ability to make time appropriate decisions, learn from mistakes and transparency. Being an entrepreneur means to take responsibility and not just to make some quick money like a trader. The key is vocational training and empower ing the m id l eve t management and not to hire mainly family members and friends," he added.When asked about his mantra of

"You need to be a dreamer" advised Binod K. Chaudhary, the Billionaire from Nepal


MEMBERS

DBL won CPI2 Top Factory Award 2013-2014 for Excellence in Energy Efficiency

Jinnat Knitwears Ltd., a concern of DBL Group Norbert Jungmichel who handed over the

was the recipient of the prestigious Carbon certificate and crest of the esteemed award to the

Performance Improvement Initiative (CPI2) Top Chairman/owners of DBL Group through a

Factory Award 2013-2014 for excellence in formal ceremony held at the Bangladesh Garment

reducing energy use and environmental impact. Manufacturers and Exporters Association

Jinnat Knitwears was honoured with the award for (BGMEA) complex in Dhaka on June 01, 2014.

demonstrating excellent efforts in reducing The Carbon Performance Improvement Initiative

energy consumption in its factory operations. The program was established in 2012 by 14 leading

CPI2 project is an initiative by the German-based textile brands, retailers and sourcing agencies. It is

retailers supported by the German Federal dedicated to reduce the overall negative impact to

Ministry of the Environment and the German the environment related to manufacturing of

Investment and Development Company (DEG). consumer goods and aims at becoming the

The nobility was performed by CPI2 high official, leading environmental supply chain initiative by


Cutting millions of tonnes of carbon emissions addition to which we also share our knowledge and

from the global supply chain. CPI2 Almost 500 techniques on best environmental practices to

factories from 18 countries worldwide currently improve energy use with our partners and sub-

avail the CPI2 web tool. The objective of CPI2, contractors. Also while engaging with our new and

which has developed an action-driven and practical existing sub-suppliers, we communicate our

tool for factories, is to promote factories which commitment to energy savings and encourage

improve their carbon performance. Areas Covered them to save comply with the best standards.

by the CPI2 Program include Electricity Furthermore, company drivers are instructed to

generation, Lighting, Electric motors, ensure optimum utilization of fuel and prevent

Compressed air, Process heat, HVAC, Transpor t unwanted fuel consumption by taking necessary

vehicles. measures while driving. The company has also

In alignment to the framework set by CPI2, Jinnat introduced an incentive scheme to motivate

Knitwears established a comprehensive employees to reduce energy use.

programme based on the recommendations by The Environmental Management System (EMS)

CPI2 to cover all units of the factory, with team at DBL Group constantly monitors the

measures including installation of LED's and consumption of energy and water; production of

servo-motors for sewing machines, a better waste; and carbon dioxide emission; which are the

compressed air system, and reduction in fuel key environmental performance indicators.

consumption of its fleet of trucks. Through energy saving campaigns, they inform all

LED lights can save up to 85% energy compared to the staffs about the company's commitment on

ordinary energy saving lights. The installation of energy saving. Leaflets were distributed as a

300 pcs of LED lights at Jinnat Knitwares Ltd. has reminder for all the staffs to turn off lights, fans,

resulted a saving of 43,200 kWh of electricity ACs and etc. when not required. The EMS and

which is worth BDT 2,09,360 (approximately). Sustainability team of DBL work side by side on

Servo motors can save up to 40% energy than several sustainability projects to reduce

regular clutch motors. Installation of 200 pcs servo environmental footprints and implement best

motor at Jinnat, saved 115,500 kWh of electricity environmental practices in the company.

which is equivalent to BDT 5,54,400. The Jinnat Knitwears has bagged the award due to its

company will soon be using servo motors for all strong commitment to reduce its environmental

sewing machines and replace the old clutch motors impact from its business operations and

with new servo motors. perseverance in upholding the pledge. Jinnat

Other implemented CPI2 recommendations Knitwears and its parent company DBL Group,

include installation of 130 pcs of cogged V-belts as strongly believe in balancing economic prosperity

part of the maintenance routine, 600 pcs electric and social progress with care for the planet to

ballasts in capacitor and soft starters for at least ensure good quality of life for all. The management

20% of all motors that are not equipped with a of the company is equally committed to integrate

Variable Speed Drive (VSD) / inverter. Other environmental matters as an integral part of its

routine functionalities are regular leakage business strategy and is always to ready to go an

detection, immediate repair and regular surveys. extra mile to warrant environmental welfare. The

We have formed six policies regarding purchasing group always works closely with the German

motor, energy saving, cogged belt, boiler, Investment and Development Company (DEG)

compressed air, purchase tube and new devices in for investments in sustainable production. For the

order to save energy. year 2014, Jinnat is following a similar

After the execution of all these recommendations comprehensive plan as the previous year and is

by CPI2, the factory benefited from an overall working towards continuous improvement. Jinnat

energy savings of 1,759,648 kWh which is worth Knitwears Ltd will continue its pro-active

BDT 84,46,310 in 2013 compared to previous year. engagement and offer innovative solutions in

Also the CO2 emission reduction was 1,372 tons in energy conservation in our daily operations to

2013 compared to previous year. ensure a sustainable future by minimizing the

At DBL Group we have a sub-contractor policy, in increasing stress on the finite natural resources.


FEATURE

Green Delta Insurance Company Limited (GDIC), Farzana Chowdhury, Managing Director and CEO

the only AAA rated non life insurance company of of Green Delta Insurance who is also the Director

Bangladesh and Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council of GD Assists spoke about the launching of the

jointly organized a Launching ceremony and health insurance product 'GD Health' and on the

Networking Dinner at the capital recently. joint collaboration of Green Delta and MHTC. She

GD Health, the first ever comprehensive insurance said, “We always pioneer innovative insurance

scheme in Bangladesh offering Global Emergency product addressing the national issues and GD

Medical Evacuation Services targeting corporate, Health is no different from that. We are hopeful to

professionals and entrepreneurs has been launched give the best possible services to the people with our

by GDIC. GDIC also partnered with MHTC in prompt claim settlement process and global

promoting the Malaysia Healthcare Travel. emergency medical evacuation services.”

Accordingly, GD Assist, a subsidiary of GDIC has Representing MHTC, Dolly Lim, Senior Manager

partnered with some of the top hospitals in Malaysia in-charge said that “Malaysia certainly has what it

to provide Malaysian healthcare services to the takes to compete against the world's best in

people of Bangladesh. healthcare travel with our numerous medical

Honorable Minister for Health and Family Welfare of offerings today. What's more, healthcare travel is

People's Republic of Bangladesh, Mohhamed Nasim under the Ministry of Health, Malaysia and we are

MP was the chief guest of the event. While the regulated by several Acts to ensure that quality care

honorable State Minister of Finance of People's is given at all times. Rich in its tourism offerings,

Republic of Bangladesh, M A Hannan MP, H.E Norlin patients can come to our country for a treatment

Binti Othman, High Commissioner of Malaysia in and explore a family holiday too”.

Bangladesh, M Shefaque Ahmed, Actuary; Chairman After launching GD Health, Rupali Chowdhury,

of Insurance Development and Regulatory Authority Managing Director of Berger Paints was handed

and Mr. Nasir A Choudhury, President of BMCCI over a GD Health Policy as the first customer of the

graced the occasion as special guests. insurance scheme.

Green Delta Insurance Launches

GD Health

{Emerging Bangladesh} bgcci.com 15

MEMBERS

Deutsche Post DHL has always served the community it resides in unique and interesting

manners. This year DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh celebrated World Environment

Day 2014 by planting over 800 trees at SOS Children's Village in Dhaka Bangladesh.

SOS Children's Village is an independent non-governmental social development

organization. SOS takes action for children, keeping in consideration varying religion

and culture of each child. The organization works in the spirit of UN Convention on the

Rights of the Child, and promotes these rights around the world. They have also

pioneered a family approach to the long-term care of orphaned and abandoned children

with the SOS Children's Village concept, which provides each child with a Mother, a

family, a home and a community.

On the occasion of World Environment Day 2014, DHL Global Forwarding

Bangladesh has tied up with SOS Children's Villages in Bangladesh in light of its

corporate social responsibilities. Under the Go Green platform DHL Global

Forwarding Bangladesh arranged a tree plantation program. Along with the Country

Manager Mr. Nooruddin Chowdhury several employees participated in this initiative.

Afterwards, children were treated to celebrate their contribution towards making this

earth a greener place. The Project Director of SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh Mr.

Saiful Islam thanked DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh for extending wholehearted

support. The Country Manager of DHL Global Forwarding Bangladesh Mr. Nooruddin

mentioned that “we will be looking forward to continuation of this plantation campaign

in the near future and SOS expects to be a vital part of our “living responsibility”

initiative.

DGF BD Marked World Environment Day by plantingover 800 Trees at SOS Children's Village Bangladesh

Country Manager Nooruddin Chowdhury (in the middle), Project Leader of SOS Children's Villages Bangladesh Saiful Islam (right after CM)

and other officials were joined their hands with the volunteers.


Person of Interest

Trade for Aid and vice versa is a concept becoming popular than ever before as

donors and policy makers from home and abroad are more willing to work closely

with private sector for the betterment of the world economy. What is your take on

that?

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH acts in the

interests of the Federal Republic of Germany and supports to consolidate their commitment

to the Trade for Aid Initiative. GIZ's Trade Programme provides advisory services to the

German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to represent

development issues in international trade negotiations as well as design and disseminate

innovative tools for trade-related assistance in German development cooperation.

At the national policy level, GIZ supports governments and other stakeholders to develop

capacity to negotiate and implement trade agreements. It promotes growth through trade by

building the capacity of the private sector to boost exports.

The main goal is to help partner countries successfully integrate themselves into the global

economic system and regional economic communities, diversify their economies, and boost

exports and foreign direct investment. This is, in turn, expected to reduce poverty and result

in sustainable development.

Through the BMZ's develoPPP.de initiative, GIZ also devises solutions that work for

German and European companies and their subsidiaries in developing countries and

emerging economies. These companies might be seeking to make long-term investments in

emerging countries like Bangladesh. The support can take the form of providing training for

local employees, promoting the use of environment-friendly technologies or improving

social standards at production facilities. Interested companies can apply through the

develoPPP.de website four times a year. Application forms are currently available for the next

phase, which runs from 15 November 31 December 2014.

GIZ helps policy-makers to translate their

objectives into practice to make change work.

-Tobias Becker Country Director, GIZ

“

“

Q


GIZ is very active in the development

sector of Bangladesh through various

projects. Would you like to give us a

brief about some of the successful

ventures that helped Bangladesh

obtain excellent results in respective

fields?

For more than 42 years, GIZ Bangladesh

has been devising solutions that work -

with our commissioning parties and

partners. We also help policy-makers to

translate their objectives into practice to

make change work. Currently, on behalf

of BMZ, we are working in the priority

areas of renewable energies and energy

efficiency; good governance, rule of law

and human rights; and adaptation to

climate change in urban areas. We also

work in the areas of health, biodiversity

and disaster risk management. Some

recent highlights of our activities include

·GIZ has been working with national

partners since 2010 to improve fire safety

and working conditions in 650 textile

factories. While many improvements have

been made, there is still a lot to be done. In

my view, the amended national labour law

will bring more positive changes. The

problem is having an insufficient number

of trained labour inspectors, who play a

crucial role within the labour inspection

system to ensure that factories comply

with labour laws. GIZ has worked in close

cooperation with the International

Labour Organization (ILO) and key

stakeholders of the Ready-Made

Garments (RMG) sector and the number

of inspectors has grown from 20 in 2010

to 289 in 2014. Till 6 November 2014,

GIZ, partly in cooperation with ILO, has

trained 74 government labour inspectors

from the Department of Inspection for

Factories and Establishments, under the

Ministry of Labour and Employment

(MoLE), on conducting comprehensive

inspections. The rest of the 215 labour

inspectors will also be trained by the end

of 2014.

· G I Z i s s u p p o r t i n g t h e

implementation of the Bangladesh

Climate Change Strategy and

Action Plan, the Government of

Bangladesh's (GoB) approach to

tackling climate change. In 2009,

GIZ started to address the adverse


impacts of natural disasters and climate change and through our work we

have built resilient communities. This means that there is a strong

focus on climate change adaptation in agriculture, rehabilitation of

livelihoods and means of production of vulnerable populations.

Take for example Aditi, who lost her husband and most of their

property in cyclone Aila. Her husband was the main bread earner for

this family of seven and upon his death, the young widow and her five

daughters were left destitute. Aditi benefitted from the livelihood

support programme implemented by GIZ with our partners, where

she was given training on vegetable cultivation. One of the things she

learnt was how to create natural compost instead of using expensive

chemical fertiliser. Aditi is now a successful farmer who is sending

her daughters to school and has hopes for a bright future.

· With GIZ's support, Bangladeshi partners have been able to provide

over two million Improved Cooking Stoves or Bondhu Chulas to

communities. This means two million families are using less wood

and other biomass for cooking, saving up to 50% money and living a

healthier life, as these stoves do not produce hazardous smoke. Each

month, 50,000 additional stoves are expected to be installed all over

Bangladesh.

You have worked in several countries in projects associated with

renewable energy and energy efficiency. It is almost no news that

Bangladesh, with a view to promoting more trade and

industrialization needs huge energy supply and to ensure efficient

energy distribution. Would you like to share your wisdom and

experience in this regard?

For Bangladesh, which suffers from frequent power outages due to energy

shortage, exploring alternative energy sources, promoting the use of

renewable energy and efficient use of energy are all very important. This

has to be done by building markets for sustainable energy solutions through

improving the capacity of relevant stakeholders and promoting the

application of energy efficient technologies and technologies for the

generation of renewable energy.

Solar home systems can be a viable alternative for Bangladesh and the GoB

needs to support these initiatives by providing or improving access to

financing. Private companies also have to use and invest in technologies that

will make them more energy efficient.

Since 2003, GIZ has been supporting national agencies to install solar home

systems and till date we have supported the installation of over 420,000

solar home systems. In Dacope, a remote upazila in the Khulna district,

where no electricity grid will be built in the next 20 years, I met a woman

named Afroza. She told me that her family was able to buy a solar home

system after it was subsidised with the support of GIZ. As a result, her

Number of Improved Cooking Stoves or

Bondhu Chulas that with GIZ's support,

Bangladeshi partners have been able to

provide to communities.

2 million+

Number of textile factories where GIZ has

been working with national partners since

2010 to improve fire safety and working

conditions.

650

Number of Government labour inspectors

received training from GIZ, partly in

cooperation with ILO till 6 November 2014.

The inspectors were from the Department

of Inspect ion for Factor ies and

Establishments, under the Ministry of

Labour and Employment (MoLE), on

conducting comprehensive inspections.

74

Amount of money saved by a family by

using solar systems provided by GIZ in a

remote upazilla called Dacope where no

electricity will be available in any time soon

BDT 200/Month


family saves around BDT 200 per month on energy costs and after 3-5 years they will pay

off the total cost of the system. The small 20-watt system is powering two light bulbs in

her kitchen and one in her room. After installing the system, both her sons have enough

light to study at night. Afroza can also do housework after sunset and does not have to

worry about rising kerosene prices or investing in lead batteries.

BGCCI is working closely with GIZ in projects like social and environmental

compliance for RMG factories. How can we strengthen the relationship? Would

you like to suggest any new avenue of cooperation that both the organizations

can explore?

GIZ implements the CIM-AHK programme on behalf of BMZ. This programme

places integrated experts in areas such as energy consulting, technology transfer and

vocational education from the Centre for International Migration and Development

(CIM) in German Chambers of Commerce (AHKs). In the case of Bangladesh,

amongst others, we have placed a German integrated expert at the BGCCI. Mr Daniel

Seidl is the Executive Director of BGCCI and advises its members on partnership

opportunities with German companies like GIZ.

Another programme, the CIM programme, is jointly run by GIZ and the International

Placement Services (ZAV) of the German Federal Employment Agency. Among other

things, CIM gives experts and managers from Germany and other European countries

the opportunity to work in a development-related post with employers in developing

countries and emerging economies involved in international cooperation with Germany.

In Bangladesh, CIM has placed such integrated experts at the International Union for

Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Christoffel-Blindenmission (CBM) and Clean Energy

Alternatives (CEA).

Apart from its work for the German government, GIZ also works with other clients, like

international organisations or the private sector, on areas such as vocational training,

social responsibility, energy and climate. In Bangladesh, GIZ is currently engaged by a

German company to help them adopt socially and environmentally responsible business

practices and GIZ will also be happy to support members of BGCCI in the above

mentioned areas. This support involves drafting the concept note through to project

implementation and final financial settlement and evaluation. In future, GIZ and

BGCCI might also collaborate on strengthening the capacity of the private sector to

adapt to climate change and reduce risk from sudden extreme weather events and/or

changes in climate conditions. Private companies interested in working with GIZ can

contact us directly or through BGCCI.

Staring with 60 members in 2009, BGCCI is going to celebrate its 600 members

event soon. What's your wish for BGCCI on this eve?

Firstly, I would like to congratulate BGCCI, the biggest bilateral business chamber in

Bangladesh, and its staff on reaching this milestone. It is a testament to the

commendable work they are doing to promote trade between Germany, Bangladesh and

the rest of Europe. The future looks bright for them and hopefully, in the next couple of

years, they will be able to operate independently as an internationally accredited

organisation.

In future, GIZ and BGCCI might also collaborate on

strengthening the capacity of the private sector to adapt to

climate change and reduce risk from sudden extreme

weather events and/or changes in climate conditions.

“

“

SUSTAINABLECOMPETITIVENESSANDBANGLADESH

FEATURE

According to a report published by the World Economic Forum, nations around the world are adapting more and more sustainable measures in pursuits of a greener tomorrow. Where does Bangladesh stand in the race?By Isha Shahmina Mannan


The UN developed the post 2015 agenda, termed as

the sustainable development agenda commonly

referred to as the SDGs to counter the new set of

challenges and further build on the successes of the

MDGs.

The issue of sustainability, sustainable growth and

sustainable competitiveness gained increased

prominence fueled by the global economic recession

The global dynamics and

concerns have been

changing as we move into

a more exciting threshold stof the 21 century. In the

year 2000, as part of the

global development

agenda, the Millennium

Development Goals were

adopted to address the

extreme form of

inequalities in existence

in the form of standard of

living and economic

emancipation between the

developed and the

developing nations. After

nearly fifteen years of the

MDG oriented strategies,

it is definitely the time for

rethink.

that has had devastating impact on the developed countries

and to a certain extent on the developing countries including

Bangladesh. Economic growth and as its side effect

development was the trend although its sustainability is now

being questioned. The concepts of inclusive growth and

environmental sustainability are increasingly under discussion

in the policy platform, among the industries, businesses and

citizens of the society.

The Gobal Competitive Index took due measure of the

sustainable factors by including social sustainability indicators

that assessed access to basic necessities, vulnerability to socio-

economic exclusion and social cohesion and environmental

indicators which included analysing environmental policy, use

of renewable and non-renewable resources and

environmental degradation.

Comparative Profile of Sustainable Competitiveness

According to the Global Competitiveness Report 2014-2015,

Switzerland is in the leading positive with the highest score of

6.8 in terms of sustainable competitiveness with good

governance, high social protection and mobility and diligent

environmental stewardship.

Germany scoring 6.18 is also one of the higher ranked

developed countries with positive sustainable standing owing

to high investment in research and development, widespread

access to healthcare, presence of a social safety net and well

enforced environmental regulations. However growing

concerns of relative poverty needs to be taken care of.

The United States of America scored 5.61 also has good

standing in terms of sustainability although its position is

much lower than the other developed countries due to high

levels of income inequality and reluctance in joining

international environmental treaties.

In Asia, Japan scoring 6.06 is in the lead with positive and

progressive sustainable development efforts. On the other

hand, China continues to endure low sustainable

competitiveness due to environmental pollution, high

inequality and a welfare system only available to the urban

population.

India's competitiveness with a score of 3.85 is low due to social

factors such as uneven access to sanitation, high rates of

vulnerable employment and depleting natural resources

despite social and environmental policies and regulations in

place. In comparison Sri Lanka has a better standing with a

higher score of 4.28 outperforming countries like Turkey,

Colombia, Mexico and South Africa.

Overall there appears to be a positive correlation between the

sustainable competitiveness and prosperity of a nation.

Bangladesh Perspective

In terms of sustainable competitiveness, Bangladesh ranks

lower in comparison to its South Asian neighbours with a

score of 3.5 despite positive social indicators and progress in

attaining the MDG targets. However it requires a mention that

although some countries like Mongolia and Dominican


In order to achieve progress, in the term growth prospects for the future

context of current trends and resource g e n e r a t i o n s , ( 2 ) e f f i c i e n t

capability taking consideration of new management of resources through

technologies, geopol i t ics and environmental conservation and

ecological realities, stringent balance protection of wildlife and natural

should be maintained in terms of resources and (3) practicing social

economy, environment and society. justice and social inclusiveness

Sustainability competitiveness is t h rough pa r t i c i pa t i on , equa l

governed by (1) soc ia l and opportunity, ensuring security and

environment-friendly trade and representation of rights of the people

investment practices that will facilitate from all spheres of the society.

productivity as well augment longer

Defining Sustainable Competitiveness

Republic rank higher than Bangladesh in terms of overall Strategy (NSDS) 2010-21. The strategy identifies 5 strategic th th areas which comprise of Sustained Economic Growth, Urban competitiveness (98 and 101 position respectively) but in

Development, Social Security and Protection, Development of terms of sustainable competitiveness Bangladesh displays a priority areas (including agriculture, rural economy, energy, human better performance with a higher score than either of the resource development), Environment, Natural Resource and countries.Disaster Management taking stock of gender equality, disaster Without doubt, Bangladesh's economy has made risk reduction and good governance. The institution setup impressive strides in terms of digitalisation and socio-included a Sustainable Development Monitoring Council economic development. Rural development has delivered consisting of Ministries, Public Agencies, Private Sector, NGOs concrete results due to increased tele-density and and member of the civil society. introduction of mobile banking. Investment in social To effectively place the NSDS in action and improve infrastructure and education is increasing. Awareness of Bangladesh's sustainable competitiveness, awareness is first and environment related concerns, waste management, tacking foremost necessary. The government along with the private air and water pollution, access to basic necessities and sector, international development partners and the civil society human development indicators are much better in should jointly transform the strategy into actionable targets and comparison to South Asian nations like Nepal and implement accordingly. Monitoring and evaluation framework Myanmar. Setup of solar power plants and research into of the sustainability indicators should be formulated through bio-fuel are also positive developments in the recent years. stakeholder consultations. Research into environmental friendly Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund has been technologies should be prioritised and incentives should be established and to tackle pollution, introduction of eco tax given to promote responsible business practices. Sustainable is also being considered. It should also be known that standards need to be introduced. Social and green investment by Bangladesh has been committed towards the adopted the industries and business institutions should be made resolutions at United Nations Conference on Sustainable mandatory. Although this may increase the cost in the short run Development held in Rio de Janeiro held in 2012 Rio+20.it would enhance the long term competitiveness of the Nevertheless it is in these areas of developments that the institutions. Investing in value chain linkages that create better challenges exist that are stunting the position of jobs, promote gender diversity and contributes to green Bangladesh in sustainable competitiveness. The progress is economy should also be a priority.much below the collective potential. Drawing examples It should be kept in mind that growth should not come with from the sustainably developed countries, Bangladesh irreversible social and environmental costs. Sustainable needs to proactively address the issues related to social competitiveness for Bangladesh is only necessary for inclusive vulnerability, access to basic necessities for the marginalised growth but important for Bangladesh's position in the global and climate change migrants, malnutrition, wider access to market since it is likely have a considerable impact on our health care, good governance practices from the grass root international trade especially exports and investment level, seasonal unemployment and underemployment, prospects. To maximize the opportunities of the global environment conservation, environmental pollution and integration and prevalent trends, there is no better time than better management of the natural resources. now to build on the sustainable competitiveness capture the Perhaps the most important and concrete advancement to immense potentialities. Here is to a prosperous and address the issue of sustainability has been the formulation progressive Bangladesh.and finalization of the National Sustainable Development

The author is the Asst. Secretary (Research) in FBCCI


SPECIAL INTERVIEW

When you first started planning to field of compliance, for others to follow. such a s Women ' s Empowe r men t

organize the SEE Award, what were (Advancement of Female Workers in

your thoughts? Why did you feel a What sets the Award apart from other Management Position). This year, we

need for the Award? similar initiatives in the industry? have also introduced Inclusive Skills

Over the last few decades, Bangladesh The SEE Award is a one of a kind award Development, to attract factories excelling

has witnessed a remarkable economic in Bangladesh that specifically addresses in including Persons with Disabilities

growth, becoming the second largest industrial compliance. The Award also (PwD) in the main stream workforce to

exporter of readymade garments in the targets stakeholders from one of the be recognised.

world by volume and value. This sector crucial back-bones of the export sector We have aspired to reach out to a wider

creates employment opportunities for in Bangladesh i.e. the ready-made spectrum of factories through mass

millions of unskilled and poor people, garments sector. media advertisements in popular dailies,

especially women, who comprise a large as well as through a partner trading

part of the Bangladeshi youth So, what steps have you been taking corporation. In addition, we have tried

population. However, in the recent to attract diverse participants for the to engage the workers further, through

years, the RMG sector's growth has award? Women Cafes, facilitated by our partner

been accompanied by devastating When we started off the Award in 2012, NGOs, which are a safe-hub for

incidents that has impacted the it was targeting nomination mainly from garment workers to meet and share their

industry's competitiveness as a whole. participants at the management level of issues.

Recognizing the growing need to the factories. This year, we have

promote industrial compliance in the complemented the award, by also Were you surprised by the results?

sector, GIZ PSES initiated the Social including participation directly from the Yes, I was very surprised by the results.

and Environmental Excellence (SEE) workers at the heart of the industry But it was a pleasant surprise! Last year,

Award in 2012 to highlight and through our Idea Club. 38 factories submitted nominations for

recognize best practices from the RMG Award recognition usually tends to the Award and this year we attracted

industry in the field of social and attract more participation from big nominations from 83 factories. And we

env i ronmenta l s t andards, and names in the industry. To circumvent, also succeeded in reaching our new

encourage industrial trendsetters in the we have included new award categories target this year, i.e. majority of the

After its tremendous success last year, the Social

and Environmental Excellence (SEE) Award is

back for the second time, thanks to the Promotion

of Social and Environmental Standards in the

Industry (PSES) program implemented by GIZ.

In this regards, this interview provides perspectives

from Ms. Sarwat Ahmad, Senior Advisor, PSES, on

the upcoming event. As a Team Leader of the

program’s Trade Promotion component, Ms. Ahmad

facilitated diversification of the Readymade

Garments Market of Bangladesh beyond the

traditional export markets of the USA and the EU.

She helped to expand the horizon to new markets

like Japan, Hong Kong, South Africa, Mexico, Brazil,

Chile, and Russia. The program lobbied with

dif ferent government and private sector

stakeholders of the new markets to gain favorable

tariff policies.

Setting the Benchmark


nominations came from mid-sized It is noteworthy to mention here Conditions was the Aboni Knitwear Ltd.

factories. though, that the names of the short- factory of Babylon Group. Their

Similarly, another surprise lay on the listed nominees were coded and kept initiative was to provide sanitary

ground for us, when on the count of anonymous through-out the jury napkins to their female workforce at a

submissions, we succeeded to receive a session. subsidized cost. Over the last two years,

big 675 number of entry forms from we have already seen a number of new

workers, in the category of Idea Club What impact do you foresee in the factories that have sprung up with a

( Wo r k e r s ' I d e a f o r F a c t o r y near future for the upcoming similar initiative for their female

Improvement). winners? workers, following into their footsteps.

I was also very glad to receive Like any award, ofcourse, first of all

encouraging entries from the sector, in recognition is motivation. Motivation, Do you feel that this Award will lead

terms of factories employing persons that is not only for the winners to change in the RMG industry?

with disabilities into their mainstream continue their best practices, but for The McKinsey report forecasts that

workforce. others to follow. It also gives the Bangladesh's garments export will triple

factories as well as the industry as a by 2020. But in order for that to happen,

How have the jury reacted to the whole, the added value to attract a better the sector will have to increasingly

nominations? international image, and clients to uphold industrial compliance in terms

The jury was an interesting mix of follow along with it. of social and environmental standards. I

different types of stakeholders, starting hope that the Award will encourage

from representatives from the Has this Award created any even more promising factories to follow

government, employers' associations, to awareness in the industry? and take up on these best practices

the civil society, as well as technical We have seen some mention worthy showcased through our Award. A

experts. As such, they have engaged in ripples in the industry. For example, specially promising point of entry

fruitful debates from their varying during the last Award in 2012, one of would be for more factories to start

perspectives, taking an overall positive the best practices awarded in the employing a more inclusive workforce,

o u t l o o k o n t h e s h o r t - l i s t e d category of Innovative Initiatives for the employing persons with disabilities as

nominations. Improvement of Working and Living part of their mainstream workforce.


FIRE SAFETY

How has the fire at Tazreen Fashions ongoing transformation in the industry workers and supervisors on fire safety.

changed the industrial perspective in to make it more responsible and Besides, trade union leaders were also

Bangladesh? sustainable, where workers can be trained on fire safety in cooperation with

More than 100 people have lost their ensured a safe workplace. the International Labour Organization 3lives in the fire at Tazreen Fashions Ltd., As such, we have seen initiatives such as (ILO). Further, a C fire safety training

one of the deadliest fires in the Ready- formulation of the National Tripartite manual has been developed with the

Made Garments (RMG) industry of Action Plan on Fire Safety and participation of fire safety professionals

Bangladesh. This was a sad incident that Structural Integrity for the Ready-Made from BFSCD, BGMEA, BKMEA and 3shocked the nation. The fire led to the Garment Sector in Bangladesh, set up experienced C trainers. Moreover, a

formation of a unified proactive stance of the Accord on Fire and Building study tour comprising of training on from all stakeholders for higher fire Safety, and Alliance for Bangladesh “Fire Safety and Civil Protection” was safety standards in the workplace. This Worker Safety, among others, to organized in Germany for a delegation was reminiscent of the devastating respond to the growing need for of 25 officials from Bangladesh Fire Triangle Shirtwaist factory fire in New workers' safety in the industry. The Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD), York that killed 146 workers, about a amendment in the Bangladesh Labour Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of hundred years ago, which led to the Act 2013 has further emphasized Disaster Management and Relief, legislation in the US requiring improved workers' safety as a whole. BGMEA and BKMEA in 2013. The factory safety standards. objective of this tour was to learn more Since the Tazreen fire incident, the What has GIZ done so far in about the way fire prevention and safety government of Bangladesh, BGMEA, regards to addressing fire safety in measures are implemented in Germany

BKMEA, international brands, NGOs, the industry? and what innovative solution the private

t rade unions, e tc. have made A number of initiatives have been taken sector can offer for an integrated fire

commitments to prevent any more by GIZ for addressing the problem of prevention and safety concept.

incidents like the Tazreen fire. industrial fire safety in the garments Establishment of a Mini Fire Brigade

(rapid response unit) is under process. The Tazreen fire incident, coupled with sector, with a strategic focus on capacity

The Mini Fire Brigade is being set up the Rana Plaza building collapse, has development of the stakeholders.

to reach out to locations at high risk, been a wake-up call for a deep, Monitors from the employers '

especially for factories with narrow fundamental change in the apparel associations of BGMEA and BKMEA

access roads, located far away from sector of Bangladesh. In response to were trained through PSES, who in turn

fire stations. In the current context, that call for change, there has been provided training to around 25,000

Bangladesh Institute of Labour Studies estimates that 431

workers have died in 14 major fire incidents from 1990 to

2012. The devastating fire incident that took place in Tazreen thFashions Ltd. in Ashulia on 24 November 2012, have further

raised global concerns regarding safety of garments factories,

majority of which export garments to the USA and Europe. In

this regards, this interview provides perspectives from Md.

Manjur Morshed, Head of Social Standards component of the

program “Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards in

the Industry (PSES),” implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft

für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH on behalf of the

German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and

Development (BMZ). The interview particularly focuses on a

Mini Fire Brigade (Rapid Response Unit) that PSES would be

facilitating to set up under a public private partnership program

with the Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defense (BFSCD)

and the DBL Group.

SecuringtheFuture


establishment of a Mini Fire Brigade is incident. As an independent tactical piloted at Kashimpur Road, Sreepur,

highly important. unit, it would be able to respond Gazipur, and then it could be up-scaled professionally within the critical first 10 in other industrial zones in the country,

Why is Mini Fire Brigade so 15 minutes after the fire has been based on learnings and experience.important? How does it work? detected or the building collapse has

It is worth mentioning that the Fire occurred within a radius of one What other effective improvements Service and Civil Defence is the only kilometre area. can be achieved in regards to fire state-run department in the country that

safety?deals with fire and other disasters, How can the Mini Fire Brigade be

A c t u a l l y, w e c a n n o t e x p e c t natural or otherwise. They have established?

improvements to happen overnight. insufficient manpower and do not have The proposed Mini Fire Brigade will be

But, it is never too late to start. There is sufficient number of fire stations to funded and operated under a Public

no alternative to working together if we successfully tackle big fire incidents. Private Partnership (PPP) program. want to ensure workplace fire safety. Another major challenge for the fire This PPP program will be facilitated by Therefore, factory owners, buyers, trade service department is that the location the Global Initiative on Disaster Risk unions, owners' associations and the of existing factories does not provide Management (GIDRM) which is being government have to work hand in hand clear access routes for them to reach in coordinated by GIZ. The DBL Group, in this regard. Moreover, a sound macro time for an emergency. The roads in one of the largest ready-made garment

most cases are also too narrow and industries in Bangladesh, will act as the level fire safety action plan should

inaccessible. The recent fire incident at private sector partner while Bangladesh address issues such as proper the Aswad Composite Mills Limited in Fire Service and Civil Defence (BFSCD) infrastructural support in industrial Chandra, Gazipur, is an example where under the Ministry of Home Affairs will zones of Dhaka, Gazipur, and fire fighters took more than an hour to act as the local public partner for the Chittagong to begin with. reach the site, from the nearest fire project. GIZ will provide the technical Management of each factory has to take station more than 30 kilometres away cooperation for the pilot project. a major portion of the responsibility to because of narrow roads leading to the The DBL Group will provide the land,

address this issue. Having a preventive factory. infrastructure and operational costs of

fire safety procedure is the first step. Given the context, it would be an the Mini Fire Brigade. On the other

Arranging sufficient number of exits effective initiative to set up a Mini Fire hand, Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil

along with an informed workforce Brigade as an auxiliary force to the Defence will provide full-time fire

during emergencies is equally important. existing Fire Service and Civil Defence. fighters. They will also train the Finally, we should keep in mind that The objective of establishing such a community volunteers and in-house fire better coordination and concerted Mini Fire Brigade would be to respond safety teams of the factories. Lastly, GIZ efforts among all the stakeholders can to both industrial fire and building will provide vehicle and equipment save lives and contribute in ensuring collapses, to keep fire under control and support, which will be handed over to sustainable improvements in the hold fort until additional firefighting BFSCD.

units can make it to the place of The Mini Fire Brigade project will be industry.


ESSAY

going global, consequently became also one of the By Joachim Juette-Overmeyerfirst industries to be confronted with the awakening

I was stumbling over this statement of a restaurant civil society and their ethical and ecological demands

owner in an article in the New York Times regarding for proper behavior and socially responsible conduct.

some new US state laws legalizing the carrying of From then onwards the products were no longer just

concealed guns in public. Restaurant owners, who are subject to “hard” market parameter, such as styles,

questioning why someone has to carry a gun while price, quality and fashion but increasingly adopted a

having a cheeseburger, put up signs to prevent people lot of additional “soft” criteria in respect to political,

with guns from entering. This put them right into the environmental and ethical correctness.

middle of a political debate with their customers to

In the last years, a growing number of social discover that politics can sometimes matter more

stakeholders demand transparency about a than the products they serve and can have serious

company's position and performance regarding a lot business implications today.

of socially and politically related issues. Business is You may ask what all this has to do with doing

expected to serve the society as a whole and not solely business in Bangladesh? Well, if you are willing to

the interests of its financially owner. Brands, which abstract from the Eggs Benedict for a moment, it

are sourcing internationally, therefore pass these clearly documents a trend, especially in the western

expectations on to their business partners in the world about what international business has to cope

sourcing countries. Especially the RMG Industry, with. Business has become subject to a lot of

which is often one of the core industries in challenging demands from different stakeholders for

developing countries in Asia, is confronted with political, environmental and ethical correct

demands about its social and environmental commercial conduct. Therefore, business has to

performance. The ethical and environmental home increasingly take a political and social stand and

standards to be met are the same as those expected by sometimes finds itself confronted with contraire

consumers in the US and EU home markets which do demands from different stakeholders. Today

not except double standards. In doing so, industries companies face a massive shift of power to the

that supply globally, abstract themselves consumer. By the massive increase of internet based

commercially more and more from their domestic density of possible individual connections, growing

social and political environment and become subject spontaneous individual activity via social media and

to the high standards and expectations as well as accelerating circles of emotional enragement this can

political agendas of the global markets of their lead to a massive blow-out with a potential to

customers. However, that might conflict with the seriously hurt, even big companies. Critical

local rule of law, traditional business conduct, stakeholders today successfully use these effects to

existing infrastructure and social and cultural habits push their agendas.

in the supply markets. Even though most of these

requirements are deriving from internationally But what is behind this screen for socially correct and agreed treaties and conventions and might therefore compliant conduct? I have followed this already be part of the domestic legal regime, the pace development in respect to the garment industry from and efficiency in which these rules are expected to be inside since the beginning of the 90s. The western executed often goes beyond the individual ability and fashion industry, being one of the first industries

Behind the Paravent“You have to learn how to speak like a politician when you are speaking to people. Twenty or thirty years ago you were just a guy who made Eggs Benedict.”


sometimes also acceptance to do so. Trying to comply with all these requirements and

expectations has for some years already been reality The topics in question cover on the one hand social

for international fashion brands performing their and humane conditions in production, such as the

individual auditing and compliance measures. safeguarding of human rights and workers' rights in

Nevertheless, it found its new climax in the joined the supply chains and the prevention of child labor,

approach of about 180 brands sourcing in furthermore on the other hand environmental topics,

Bangladesh, actively implementing fire, electrical and such as critical chemicals in products and ways to

structural safety standards for textile production, avoid them or sustainable use of natural resources

closely watched and followed by international unions (water, air, ground) or treatment of animals, ... just to

and NGOs. After Rana Plaza it is carried by a broad name a few prominent examples. Even though such

consensus of all parties involved to make a topics are still not paramount criteria for western

substantial difference and set a turning point. Even fashion consumers, the brands are nevertheless

governments play a role but are not the main driving under constant pressure by stakeholders and media

factor behind this. Maybe we see the first step how to take a responsible position regarding these topics.

global business is going to function in future, Effective and on the spot action and respective

embedded in requirements for social and safety transparency is expected. In a globalized world

compliance and political and ethical correctness, international companies are asked to take full moral

watched closely by a variety of stakeholders including responsibility for everything happening in their entire

governments. So, as Lorenz Berzau from BSCI put it global supply chain. Furthermore, there are

clearly in the last issue of Emerging Bangladesh, “it is increasing political demands to hold companies not

far more than compliance or a matter of following a only morally responsible but assign direct legal

mainstream topic but a question of survival in a global responsibility, including the obligation to remedy

market”. Although this development is principally damages The horrible tragedy of Rana Plaza has

necessary and positive and assigns responsibility to accelerated this development.

those who prosper from human and natural

resources, nevertheless some basic questions remain. Today, this concerns not only the big brands but also What makes companies, who have in fact no SMEs sourcing in the same markets. It's almost like democratic competence and mainly follow singular they are expected to have a political, cultural and private interests, authorized to implement social and ethical strategist on board when they put together ethical standards, labor laws, international regulations their marketing and sourcing plan. This is quite a and compliance rules in their sourcing countries? challenge, especially for smaller companies. Doing What makes them experts on complex human and your business and producing or selling good quality social development when they are actually experts on products is no longer good enough to be able to have trade? Do they know what effects their actions in one success in the market. Turning a blind eye to industry may have for the society or the economy as a aforementioned topics can have serious business whole? It took international development assistance implications because social and ethical correctness centuries of experience to learn about the negative may matter more than the product which is delivered. effects their well minded aid sometimes had. Who Entrepreneurs today have to juggle with cultural, bears the consequences if the companies' approach political, legal, technical and social requirements and turns out to be wrong? Even though it is out of expectations from all kind of global parties. Even question that some requirements, like human rights though, if handled well and with pragmatism, this is or health and safety standards are world-wide valid, generally a positive development, it nevertheless others are sometimes ideologically and politically raises some principal question.

Entrepreneurs today have to juggle with cultural, political, legal,

technical and social requirements and expectations from all kind of

global parties. Even though, if handled well and with pragmatism, this

is generally a positive development, it nevertheless raises some

principal question.


motivated and reflect the individual views and reflecting about its motives, the result may not be

interests of a multitude of stakeholders. Is there a very sustainable after all.

clear uniform agenda or does each company follow This subject has interestingly just been taken up by a

its own approach? Do those who are at the receiving new international initiative called Global Value.

end to all these measures have an active saying in this Against the background that the European

or do they only have to comply? In my eyes business Commission and the United Nations have called for

has a substantial role to play but it will have to be in a private sector accountability for their actions, Global

way that reflects their role, competence and Value is looking for a comprehensive mutually agreed

motivation. In fact business has no democratic framework to assess how corporate activities are

legitimacy. Business can neither compensate for complementing or contradict ing off ic ia l

missing government responsibilities and functioning development aid. The aim is to shed light on how

structures nor can it play the role as a bailiff of international competitiveness on the one and

international law or third parties by using the vehicle responsible business practices on the other hand can

of private law. In first place, international law is be mutually reinforced in developing countries. For

addressed to governments and it is their me it is a more holistic approach than to merely

responsibility to implement and execute it, in order to instrumentalize business compliance rules to push

protect against human rights abuses. Nevertheless, international agendas.

business has without doubt an important role to play.

According to the United Nations Guiding Principles Finally that brings me back to the NYT article. “I on Business and Human Rights, it must act with due sympathize with the restaurant owners because they didn't diligence to avoid infringing on the rights of others choose to be in the middle of this, but this is where it is playing and to address negative impacts with which they are out, Mr. Friedman, a professor at Vanderbilt involved. Companies have the power to affect University said, who had asked a restaurant owner to virtually all of the internationally recognized rights post a “no guns” sign. Indeed it has not been the and can offer support and expertise on a mutual basis choice of business to be in the center of this with all other parties. Nevertheless, it should be aware development, having to take over regulatory and that this strong commercial power can also be executive functions, but actually this is how it works. misused for pushing politically or ideologically Business therefor has a role to play with clear human, motivated agendas by other parties. social and environmental responsibilities. But it must

keep in mind that it is only one player in one playing In our quest for compliance we should therefore not

field and not the expert on how to support and forget the principle values behind the surface. I am

sustainably develop societies. What business can do is not saying that applying typically business measures

to offer its economic efficiency, competence and in order to comply with human and social laws is not

support for development. However, this should be the right thing to do or should stop, in contrast it is an

done with a sense of proportion, mutually working effective way to ensure global responsible behavior

with local bona fide parties and including their but business should be sensitive about its approach

perception to make something viable for the joined and how to proceed. But it always takes two to tango.

global future. If business does not engage on eye-level with its local

business partners and tries to find common grounds

and joined structures how to move forward, The author works for CSRfashion, Düsseldorf

1 Want Guns With That? Chefs Find Politics Hotter Than Kitchen, NYT, 31.March 2014

2 Http://www.global-value.eu/

According to the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and

Human Rights, it must act with due diligence to avoid infringing on the

rights of others and to address negative impacts with which they are

involved. Companies have the power to affect virtually all of the

internationally recognized rights and can offer support and expertise

on a mutual basis with all other parties.


The focus of the discussions in 3rd Global Social progress in developing its economy with a GDP

Responsibility Conference is “Shareholder Value Vs growth rate averaging estimated 6%. Attracted by low

Social Responsibility”. Over the past couple of labor costs, foreign investment grew significantly in

decades, agro-based Bangladesh embarked on a economic sectors such as agricultural, construction

journey to attain economic freedom with more and the ready-made garment (RMG) sector. The

flourishing industries. Sectors like RMG and Leather RMG sector plays a particularly important role for

industry are already facing challenges in regards to Bangladesh’s economy. As of 2013, the sector

environmental compliance as well as social safety contributed to 13% of the national GDP and

issues of workers. Besides, the vast workforce that is accounted for more than 78% of the country’s

considered to be blessing for Bangladesh is devoid of exports. More than 4 million workers are employed in

proper skills that will upscale the production both the garment sector, with 80 – 90% of them being

quality and quantity wise. Under such circumstances, young women. The success of the country’s RMG

comes the question of dire need of technical sector has been instrumental in Bangladesh’s effort to

vocational educational training (TVET). Without reduce poverty and at the same time brought about

time appropriate policies and proper implementation positive changes.

of the aforementioned issues, it will be impossible for Despite making tangible progress in improving

Bangladesh to ensure a sustainable development. The workplace safety, especially since the collapse of the

essence of the conference is to establish the notion Rana Plaza building, majority of RMG workers still

that shareholder value is of utmost importance for suffer from a lack of social protection mechanisms.

the sustainability of a business. The business sector This results in an increased vulnerability to financial

has a crucial role to play to achieve that goal. Its ability hardship and poverty from life cycle risks such as

to innovate, conceptualize and develop strategic work accidents, unemployment, ill health and old age.

solutions in the form of new products and services Lessons learned from many countries show that

can help to lead such change and increase its returns social protection serves as an investment in human

on investments. The provision of sustainable capital. Social protection measures have been proven

products and services bolsters brand value and to reduce poverty, promote economic growth,

reputation, which in turn increases sales duration. increase productivity and strengthen social cohesion.

Improving productivity strengthens profit margins. The government of Bangladesh has recognized the

Business can be rewarded for sustainable actions need for coherent social protection systems to be in

through favorable tax regimes, which could reduce place and has expressed its commitment towards

cost of capital. reform. An example of this is the National Social

In the last decade, Bangladesh has made remarkable Protection Strategy and the Healthcare Financing

3rd Global Social ResponsibilityConference: An overview

COVER FOCUS


Strategy 2012 – 2032. The challenge remains on Parliament is also considering applying taxes on

implementation of these strategies and the environmentally harmful practices and cutting VAT

continuous adaptation of policies to further on some materials produced from recycled waste, to

strengthen the social protection system of h el p promote innovation. In addition, it is

Bangladesh. determined to promote a carbon low economy thus

With an increasing number of international retailers promoting investments and technological

requiring manufacturers to eliminate hazardous innovation. In this sense, European businesses will

chemicals from the supply chain, manufacturers are be leading the change in favor of sustainable

faced with the dilemma of increasing production approach for an industry-based economy.

costs, affecting the profitabil ity of the So what are the essentials of the 3rd Global

manufacturers. However, with the right “know- Conference on Social Responsibility?

how”, manufacturers can fine-tune their dyeing and This year the conference will explore the values and

washing processes to minimize the use of water and motives of the shareholders’ in all these regards. The

chemicals. This results in lower energy consumption conference will further promote sharing of best

and lowers costs associated with the treatment of practices in the RMG and Leather sector though

effluents. This means that the cost savings achieved Social Protection, Environment & compliance and

by lowering the consumption of water, chemicals TVET activities. It will also encourage business

and energy can overcome the added costs of matching between European & American

replacing hazardous chemicals. The elimination of companies and the Bangladeshi business sector,

hazardous chemicals protects the end consumer and while providing useful recommendations for policy

the environment alike, and there is a strong case to be makers as an essential tool for sustainable

made in favor of the opportunities to improve development. In short, the conference is all about

profitability. changing the mindset and setting the green feet

The key stakeholders in promoting social forward to attain a better and greener tomorrow.

responsibility: following the first and second Global Following are the expected outcomes from the 3rd

Social Responsibility seminars held in 2010 and 2013 Global Social Responsibility Conference:

successively, BGCCI and its partners decided to put 1. Providing platform for engagement in dialogue

more emphasis on promoting the concept of between major stakeholders such as garment

sustainable growth and sharing practical business producers, civil society, the government and

examples, which have endorsed environmental development partners on the current situation

friendly innovation as the strategy for raising and the need for further environmental and

competitiveness and profits. Moreover, the social protection mechanisms in the RMG as well

interactions with other key societal actors, such as the as leather and footwear industry;

Government, civil society organizations, academia, 2. Fostering a mutual understanding on the

media and international organizations, bring the expectations and responsibilities of stakeholders

benefit of looking and testing proved experiences in in various (both existing and potential) policies in

building a green economy for all. In 2014, the 3rd the aforementioned sectors;

Global Social Responsibility Conference will not 3. Exploring possibilities and ways to relocate

only present European businesses that will share tanneries as it is prevailing issue for leather

their socially responsible best practices, but also industry at present; 4. E x p l o r i n g

American companies which have been distinguished opportunities towards more comprehensive

by introducing innovative environmental solutions social protection system for workers in

into Bangladesh. European environmental Bangladesh;

innovations have been guided by Europe’s 5. Sharing the best practices in business that ensure

acclamation of the benefits to move towards the environmental sustainability in both Bangladesh

Green Economy as a way to stimulate technological and Europe and the most effective awareness

development and to generate jobs and wealth in raising campaigns in regards to those matters.

respect of the environment. The European

This year the conference will explore the values and motives of the

shareholders’ in all these regards. The conference will further

promote sharing of best practices in the RMG and Leather sector

though Social Protection, Environment & compliance and TVET

activities.


GSR Conference Speakers and Panelists

Master of the Ceremony:Daniel Seidl, Executive Director, BGCCI

Inauguration SpeechesPierre Mayaudon, Ambassador, The Head of Delegation, Delegation of the European Union to BangladeshSakhawat Abu Khair, President, BGCCITofail Ahmed, Honorable Minister, Ministry of Commerce, BangladeshMd. Mujibul Haque Chunnu, Honorable State Minister, Ministry of Labour and Employment, BangladeshDr. Ferdinand von Weyhe, Chargé d' Affaires, German Embassy

RMG & Fire Safety PanelIntroductory Notes:Olaf Handloegten, Global Initiative on Disaster Risk ManagementHead of Management Unit, Security, Reconstruction and PeaceModerator:Amy YeeIndependent Journalist, Contributor for The New York TimesPanelists:Rob Wayss (Executive Director, The Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety); Mesbah Rabin (Managing Director, Alliance for Bangladesh Workers Safety); A.B.M. Khorshed Alam (CEO (Additional Secretary), NSDC Secretariat); Md. Atiqul Islam (President, BGMEA); Nazma Akter (Trade Union Representative); Tuomo Poutiainen (Programme Manager, Ready-Made Garment Sector, ILO Dhaka)

Leather Industry PanelIntroductory Notes:Adnan NafisHead of Trade Promotion, CSR & Consultancy, BGCCI Moderator:Dr. Salehuddin, Managing Editor, The Daily StarPanelists:Md. Saiful Islam (Managing Director, Picard Bangladesh);Md. Mominul Ahsan (CEO, Centre of Excellence for Leather Skill Bangladesh Ltd.); Sabur Ahmed (Asst. Professor & Chairman, Department of Leather Engineering, Institute of Leather Engineering & Technology, University of Dhaka); Nabhash Chandra Mandal (Executive Member (Additional Secretary), Registration & Incentives, Board of Investment); Tariqul Islam Khan (Chairman, Minikin ltd.); Iftekhar Haider Chowdhury (Industrial Relations Manager, HR Department, Bata Shoe Company (Bangladesh) Ltd.)

PAINTING FOR JOYExhibition of paintings by victims of the Rana Plaza tragedyFarhana von Mitzlaff (Founder, Meena e.V.);Andreana de Jong (Communication Manager, Meena e.V.)

Social Protection of Workers Aiming Further to Enhance Productivity and Reputation PanelIntroductory Notes:Dr. Binayak SenResearch Director of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS)Moderator:Sarah H. KraskeyJournalist for The New York Times & Al JazeeraPanelists:Juergen Kretz (Country Coordinator Bangladesh, German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) ); Johanna Knoess (Head of Sector Project “System of Social Protection” GIZ, Germany); Heng Sophannarith (Deputy Director

of Health Insurance Division, National Social Security Fund of Cambodia (NSSF) ); Roy Ramesh (Chairman of IndustriALL Bangladesh); Mohammed Zahidullah (General Manager, Corporate DBL Group); Subajini Jayasekaran (Corporate Social Responsibility Manager, UNICEF)

“Sustainable and Profitable Management of Water, Chemicals and Wastewater: What this means for consumers, the environment and your business" PanelIntroductory Notes:Kazy Mohammad Iqbal HossainSenior Environmental Chemist, Asian Subcontinent-Dhaka Based Sustainable Business Development, C&A BuyingModerator:Amy YeeIndependent Journalist, Contributor for The New York TimesPanelists:Md. Shahjahan (Director General (Acting), Department of Environment); Syed Mohammad Ismail (Country Head, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka Huntsman Singapore Pte. Ltd.); Tanuja Bhattacharjee (Senior Environmental Advisor, Promotion of Social and Environmental Standards in the Industry (PSES) GIZ); Prof. Manzurul Hassan (North South University); Dr. Shanmuga Sundaram (Managing Director, TÜV Rheinland ®); David Hasnat (Chairman, Viyellatex Group)

Colors from Chars: From Vocational Training Centre to Women EmpowermentNicolas Depoorter (Project Coordinator, Friendship Bangladesh); Abdus Sabur Chowdhury (Senior Manager Communication & Volunteer Management, Friendship Bangladesh)

Technical Vocational Educational Training PanelIntroductory Notes: Magnus Schmid Coordinator, PSES, GIZModerator:Zafar SobhanEditor, Dhaka TribunePanelists:Md. Mokhlesur Rahman, PhD (Senior Operations Officer, Education Global Practice, The World Bank); Mahbub Ahmed (Senior Secretary, Finance Division, Ministry of Finance, Bangladesh); Dr. Abdul Haque Talukder (Chairman, (In Charge) Bangladesh Technical Education Board); Mr. Paul Weijers (Team Leader, Skills and Employment Program Bangladesh); Kazuhiko Higuchi (ADB Country Director, Bangladesh); Shafquat Haider (Chairman, Industry Skills Council Information Technology (ICT) )

Tarango: Livelihood Development of Women from Informal SectorKohinoor Yesmin (CEO & SME Specialist, Tarango-A Women Development Organization)

Final remark and ConclusionH.E. Gerben Sjoerd de JongAmbassador of the Kingdom of Netherlands

Daniel SeidlExecutive Director, BGCCI

In the following pages, you will find profiles of some of the key note speakers, panelists and moderators


Mesbah RabinVice President and Managing Director Alliance for Bangladesh Worker Safety (Platform of North American Brands)

He is currently entrusted with leadership Role in achieving the goal of improving Worker Safety in work place.He has been working at the RMG industry for last 8 years. During this period, he made significant attempts to contribute a sustainable model for bringing about equilibrium in the power dynamics between the employer and the employees. He also worked for capacity building to help develop the infrastructure for creating a compliant image of the industry globally.

Rob WayssExecutive Director, Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh

Rob Wayss is the Executive Director of the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh. The Accord is an independent agreement between more than 180 global companies and 2 global unions and their national garment worker federation affiliates. The Accord is designed to make garment factories in Bangladesh safe workplaces. The Accord includes independent safety inspections, public reporting of the results of these inspections, and a credible labor-management occupational safety and health committee at every Accord supplier factory. There are approximately 1500 factories producing for the Accord signatory companies in Bangladesh. Rob has 20 years experience in the US, Europe, Asia, and Central America as a labor and industrial relations practitioner and in promoting fundamental workplace rights. He has performed this work in various capacities with the New York City Mayor’s Office of Labor Relations, the American Center for International Labor Solidarity (AFL-CIO), the US public employee unions (AFSCME), and the International Labour Organization (ILO). He has taught labor relations courses at Empire State College (SUNY). He served as an agricultural extension volunteer with the US Peace Corps in Lesotho, Southern Africa (1991-93). Rob has a Masters degree in Labor and Industrial Relations from the University of Rhode Island. He has lived and worked in Bangladesh for 7 years.

Nazma AkterExecutive Director for AWAJ Foundation

Since the age of 16, the former child labourer Nazma Akter has been campaigning for better working conditions in the textile factories of Bangladesh. Today she creates spaces – women’s cafés – where female textile workers can learn about their rights. On behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union, GIZ is working to improve social and environmental standards – with Nazma Akter as one of its partners.She is now working at the Awaj Foundation as the Executive Director.

RMG & Fire Safety Panel

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Adnan NafisHead of Trade Promotion, Social Responsibility & ConsultancyBGCCI

He has been serving as Head of Trade of Trade Promotion, Social Responsibility and Consultancy of Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce & Industry since 2012. He has been involved in Trade Promotion, trade diversification & branding in different organizations both in Bangladesh and Thailand. He has been involved in different research projects for more than 4 years and has more than 8 publications about Bangladesh Ready Made Garments sector, trade promotion and diversification. He is working as consultant with McKinsey & Company and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He served in the largest Trade Association in Bangladesh -BGMEA as Deputy Secretary for the research & trade cell. He also worked for the largest NGO, BRAC in the field of Fair Trade development and branding. He has extensive experience in some of the top trade bodies, development organizations and private conglomerates in Bangladesh and abroad. He has done his MBA from Assumption University (ABAC), Thailand.

Leather Industry Panel

Key Notes Speaker

Md. Saiful Islam Managing Director, Picard Bangladesh Ltd.

Md. Saiful Islam is of one the leading businessmen/industrialists in the country having 28 years business experience in various sectors like Shipbuilding, leather-goods manufacturing, dredging etc. He has started his business carrier in 1986 in shipping sector such as Ship-Chartering, Ship-owning, Ship-repair etc. With his intellectual ideas and hard working he has spread his business wings to some other sectors like RMG, leather goods etc. In 1990, he established RMG factories & a fashion leather goods factory in Dhaka and started export the products to abroad. In 1995, he established a joint venture company (namely, PICARD Bangladesh Ltd.) in conjunction with PICARD Lederwaren GmbH Co. & KG, Germany which manufactures/exports leather hand bags, briefcases and small leather goods and getting Export Trophy for every year. Picard Bangladesh is the largest leather goods manufacturer company in Bangladesh which employees 1500 workers.In the year 2000, he formed a shipbuilding company (with professional mariners) namely, Western Marine Shipyard Ltd (WMShL). - one of the leading shipyard in Bangladesh. Western Marine Shipyard has already built over 100 vessels both for Inland Water Ways & for Overseas Ship Owner. Western Marine Shipyard has built the largest Ice Class Multipurpose Container Vessel 5200DWT for German Ship Owner in a series of 8 (Eight) Vessels.

Tariqul Islam Khan Chairman, Minikin Ltd.

Tariqul Islam Khan has vast experience in the field of tannery and leather manufacturing. He started working at the Madina tannery in early 80s and there was no looking back. Besides setting up his own business, he had taught at Bangladesh College of Leather Technology as Assistant Professor. His companies, both Minikin Ltd. and Pretty House Ltd. are Indenting Company as well as trading organization deals with chemicals used in leather making. He is also the Managing Director of Marsons Tannery Ltd. He is associated with a number of social causes. He is the Founder Member of NFOWD (Organisations Working with the Disabled); Vice Chairman : HICARE (Society for Education and Care of Hearing Impaired 3. Children of Bangladesh); Vice Chairman : Co-ordination council, UCD -5(Urban Community Development, Project- 5): an organization under the Ministry of Social Welfare for well being of the under privileged people of the society. He is the Life member of Bangladesh Chemical Society and Life Member and Former Vice Chairman of Bangladesh Society of Leather Technologist's and Engineers. He was the former Chairman of Bangladesh Chemical Importer's and Merchant's Association.

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Sobur Ahmed

Sobur Ahmed has been working as a Head/ Chairman of the Department since 2012 for the Department of Leather Engineering of the institute of Leather Engineering and Technology, University of Dhaka. As a lecturer (tech) of Bangladesh College of Leather Engineering & Technology, he conducted different courses at graduation level in Bangladesh College of Leather Technology under the University of Dhaka and imparting lectures and practical classes on various subjects.He worked as a Member of different committee in Bangladesh Standard and Testing Institute (BSTI), Dhaka and conducted various training for local staff engaged in operation and management in the field of leather, footwear & leather products manufacture. He rendered his service as an analyst at BLSC (Bangladesh Leather Service Centre- A project funded by Italian Government and jointly implemented by ITC Geneva and Ministry of Commerce, Bangladesh) for BCLT Laboratory Accreditation activities.During his stint as leather technologist at Apex Tannery Limited, he worked for production planning & control, colour matching and quality control, technical supervision & co-ordination of different operations involved in leather finishing. He also worked for developed chemical formulations of different types of finished leather for the global market.He is a Life Member of Bangladesh Chemical Society (LM-1202) and Leather Engineers and Technologists Society, Bangladesh. (LM- 34). He was a former Member of Productivity Improvement Team, FDDI, Noida, India ( LM-101).

Panelist

Md. Mominul Ahsan

Md. Mominul Ahsan is a Senior Management Professional with more than 24 years of experience has successfully established and grown private-public sector relationships to ensure maximum impact. He has successfully worked with reputed private sector, multinational companies including Sanofi-Aventis & Bata Shoe Company Bangladesh Limited. Mr. Ahsan was promoted to Executive Director of Landmark Footwear Unit of Apex Group, a Syed Manzur Elahi Enterprises effective from February 1, 2014. Currently, he is responsible for leather footwear Production, Planning, Human Resources Management, Sales & Marketing and Financial Control of the unit. Mr. Ahsan served as the Group Head of Human Resources in Apex Group, one of the leading groups in Bangladesh and is working with Apex Footwear Limited, Apex Tannery Limited, and Apex Pharma Limited since November 2005. In this role, he reviews, analyses and administers human resources and compliance programs.Mr. Ahsan served as a National Consultant for the International Labor Organization (ILO) from 2009-2013. In this role, he coordinated with leather sector, private industry stakeholders to get industry inputs on TVET policy, National Technical Vocational Qualification Framework (NTVQF), Unit of Competencies, Course Accreditation documents. He also contributed to the above as a member of the Industry Skills Councils (ISC). He then helped established Centre of Excellence for Leather Skill Bangladesh Limited (COEL) with the input and buy-in of stakeholders from donor community, industry & government. As the current CEO of COEL, he leads the team to provide one-stop skill solutions for the leather, footwear and leather goods sectors.

Iftekhar Haider ChowdhuryIndustrial Relations Manager, Bata Iftekhar Haider Chowdhury has been working for 17 years in the field of human resources. He provides the company with functional and consultative guidance by developing and implementing sound, workable plans and practice for employee relation functions. Besides, he maintains harmonious and integral industrial relations in the company and fulfills the corporate social responsibilities & compliance in line with the policy of the company.He has a dream to materialize a creative world for the underprivileged and disadvantaged children.

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Heng SophannarithDeputy Director of Health Insurance

Heng Sophannarith is working for Deputy Director of Health Insurance Department of National Social Security Fund (NSSF)/Ministry of Labour and Vocational Training(MoLVT), from 2007-until now (experience more than 8 years old). At GSR Conference 2014, he is looking forward to discuss about Work Injury Insurance Scheme in Cambodia. He will also share his overall experience and ideas of working in the field.

Social Protection of Workers – Aiming Further to Enhance Productivity and Reputation Panel

Johanna KnoessHead of Sector Initiative Social Protection, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Eschborn, Germany.)

She has been working in this position since May 2013 and with GIZ/GTZ since 2002. Prior to her current position as Head of the Sector Initiative in GIZ Head Office, she was Programme Director of the GIZ supported Social Protection Programme in Indonesia.She leads GIZ's policy advisory services in the field of social protection to the German Federal Ministry of Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ). This includes providing technical and policy advisory services and facilitating the international dialogue on social protection issues in a wide range of technical areas such as social health protection, basic social assistance, pension reforms, work place accident insurance as well as institutional capacity building issues related to social protection reforms in partner countries. She has 12 years of working experience in development cooperation with various employers such GTZ/GIZ, World Bank, ILO working in the field of public health (focus on HIV/AIDS)/ health systems strengthening, social protection and gender mainstreaming. She has worked on Global (and Corporate) Social Responsibility with various stakeholders such as the World Bank, ILO, the World Economic Forum and the Global Business Coalition on promoting HIV/AIDS work place policies and programmes in the public and the private sector in previous positions. In her current position global social responsibility is of course a very important topic as we social protection is perceived shared responsibility between workers, employers and the government and the decent work agenda is a core aspect of social protection reforms.

Mohammed ZahidullahGeneral Manager, Corporate

He has been working in DBL Group for 12 years. He is working directly under the Board of Directors on development projects and heading the Sustainability Team of DBL GroupHe works at the focal point of contact for the organization's public-private engagements. His expertise lies in devising developmental programs within the company in the areas of social and environmental aspect.

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“Sustainable and Profitable Management of Water, Chemicals and Wastewater: What this means for consumers, theenvironment and your business" Panel

Kazy Mohammad Iqbal HossainSenior Environmental Chemist (Asian Subcontinent-Dhaka Based)

Kazy Mohammad Iqbal Hossain has been working at C&A Sourcing International Ltd. Bangladesh Liaison Office, around 2.5 years in the current position.He is leading the program on Environmental Sustainability within the supply base located in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Srilanka. Educate the supply chain partners as well as C&A internal teams on Sustainable Production and Procurements, especially on Use of Safer Chemistry, Wastewater Treatment and Resources Efficiency. He is a Water Resources Technologist by education and has specialized Masters on Water Resources Management and Environmental Sciences. He has more than 10 years of experiences in dealing with Social and Environmental Standards in Textile and Footwear value chain. He is Members of several local and international professional societies of Water and Wastewater Engineering.

Amy YeeIndependent Journalist, New York Times contributor

Amy Yee is an American journalist who was based in New Delhi from 2006-13 and was a 2013-14 Knight-Bagehot Fellow in Economics and Business Journalism at Columbia University. She was a staff reporter and foreign correspondent for the Financial Times from 1999 to 2008 in New York and New Delhi.Her articles have appeared in The New York Times, The Economist, Wall Street Journal, International Herald Tribune, The Lancet, Forbes, Washington Post, The Nation, Slate, The Atlantic.com, Christian Science Monitor, the Boston Globe and others.In 2013 she was a winner in the United Nations Correspondents' Association (UNCA) awards for reporting from South Asia recognized by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon. She is a 2014 finalist in the UNCA awards to be announced in New York this December.She wrote lead stories in the Global Post series that won First Prize for Public Health Reporting in the 2013 Association of Healthcare Journalists annual contest. Her journalism focuses on human and economic development; business and business models to reduce poverty; and new approaches to improve lives through clean energy, public health, education and other areas. She also writes about arts and culture.

Moderator

Tanuja BhattacharjeeSenior Environmental Advisor

Tanuja Bhattacharjee is working as senior environmental advisor for the project - Promotion of Social & Environmental Standards in the Industry (PSES) - implemented by GIZ in Bangladesh for the last two years. Since PSES provides capacity-building support for the textile sector towards improvement of environmental performance, Tanuja is specially taking care of promotion of energy efficiency measures, eco-friendly waste management and developing local resources. She obtained her B.Sc (Mechanical Eng) from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2005 and M. Eng (Energy) from Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) Thailand in 2008. Prior to GIZ, she worked in both academic and corporate environment for around five years. She has intense interest and work experience in green industrial development, energy efficiency, waste to energy and GHG mitigation.

Keynote Speaker

Panelist


Professor Manzurul Hassan North South University

Professor Hassan has been in the university teaching and research for more than two decades. He teaches courses on GIS, research methodology, epidemiology, and environmental health. Apart from Jahangirnagar University, he is a part-time faculty in the Departments of Public Health as well as in the Environmental Science & management at North South University, Dhaka. He is the MD of HenCons, a Dhaka-based consulting firm working on human health and environmental issues. He has also served as consultant to a number of world bodies, including the ADB, WB, UNICEF, & WHO. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (with TIBG) and member of a number of international and national professional bodies.Professor Hassan’s research delves in the environmental health issues. He is concerned with the pattern of climate change and human health as well as climatic adaptation strategy. He is also engaged in research and consultancy in WASH. He is recognizable with GIS for SDSS; STATA and SPSS for statistical operations. Along with geostatistical analysis, he is familiar with spatial modelling for health risk assessment. Professor Hassan wrote a significant number of research papers and book chapters. His published papers are largely focused on GIS theories and methodologies, groundwater arsenic poisoning, medical waste management, and spatial health risk assessment. He is pioneer in Bangladesh for Public Participation GIS (PPGIS).

David HasanatChairman and Chief Executive Officer, Viyellatex Group

Under the leadership of David Hasanat, Viyellatex Group has become one of the largest growing business conglomerates in Bangladesh, expanding its market presence from the textile/apparel sector to other areas such as logistics, plantations, power and education. Within a short time, he has received many prestigious awards such as the Business Person of the Year in 2007, and was also adjudged as a Commercially Important Person by the Government of Bangladesh. In addition, he has led Viyellatex to numerous prominent awards and accolades such as the CSR Award in 2008, Climate Award in 2010, Export Excellence Award in 2009 and 2010, the Best Workers' Friendly Knitwear Industry in 2010 and the Plan 'A' award by Marks & Spencer.In recognition for his initiatives, he was invited to speak at numerous international engagements, including the United Nations Forum on Green Economy and also the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Private Sector Forum. David Hasanat was elected President of the United Nations Global Compact Bangladesh Network in 2012 and is also a member of the board of trustees of the CSR Center, specializing in activities that facilitate, encourage and create awareness on CSR issues in Bangladesh. He is also independent director of Bata Shoe Company (BD) Ltd. and Advisory Board member of UNIDO Green Industry Platform.

Dr. Shanmuga SundaramManaging DirectorTÜV Rheinland Bangladesh Pvt.Ltd, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Dr. Shanmuga Sundaram has been working in his field for last 18 years. He completed his M.Sc. and M.Tech in Inorganic Chemistry and Process Metallurgy respectively. His PhD subject was Chemistry. He has been published in several international journals. He has good expertise to Implement the new European Environmental l Directives and Regulation which includes REACH (Regitration ,Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemical Substance) , RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) as per Directive 2002/95/EC, WEEE, ELV (End of Life Vehicle) Directive 2000/53/EC and REACH. He conducted 200 + REACH, RoHS seminar and work shop in Germany, Singapore, Indonesia, India and Srilanka. He is also an expert in Hazardous Substance Process Management (HSPM). He handled various Environmental and PPP projects including REACH India ( Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemical substances) exclusively for Leather and Home Textile Industry.

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Technical Vocational Educational Training Panel

Paul WeijersTeam Leader Skills and Employment Programme Bangladesh

Paul Weijers is working for the DFID/SDC funded programmes called " Skills and Employment Programme Bangladesh". In short SEP-B, this programme started its inception phase in April this year. The MoU has been signed with the Government of Bangladesh last month, and the programme is now in its pre-operation phase working with six pilot projectsThe programme stimulates the private sector to deliver vocational skills training sustainably and at scale in the RMMG and the Construction sectors. With a budget of approx. USD 36 million for 5 years, it operates two component: 1) Co-financing Industry-led training initiatives through the so-called ITF (Industry-led Training Fund) for training at least 30,000 employees, and 2) support a minimum of 45 private training providers to deliver training to at least 80,000 people.Development of market systems in vocational training is the key to sustainable delivery. With the private sector in the lead, relevance to the skill-demand is ensured. The following three dimensions will ensure success in industry-led training: 1) Direct impact on people employed by partnering industries, 2) Direct contribution to the productivity of the partnering industries, and 3) market uptake by other industries of the training systems.

Magnus Schmid

His key qualifications are in the areas of private sector development (value chain

promotion), training for entrepreneurs on compliance and M&E systems, preparation and

implementation of M&E systesm and organizational development which he obtained while

working with consulting companies, and civil society organizations in Central and South

America, Africa and recently in Asia. He obtained a Msc in Agriculture Economics and

Social Sciences from the Technical University of Munich (TUM),and carried out

postgraduate studies in Rural Development at the Centre for Advanced Training in Rural

Development, Humboldt University of Berlin (HUB).

Md. Abdul Hoque Talukder Ph.DJoint Secretary Chairman, Bangladesh Technical Education Board,

Md. Abdul Hoque Talukder Obtained his PhD. Degree from Institute of Bangladesh Studies, Rajshahi University, August 2003. Title of the thesis was “Impact of Family Size on Health and Well-being: A Study of Some Selected Areas in Bangladesh”. He completed his Master of Social Science (MSS) in Social Welfare from the Institute of Social Welfare and Research (ISWR) of Dhaka University in the year 1978He has vast experience in research on various Education related topics. He worked as Team Leader in the project “Research and Mobilization on Cost of Education. Bangladesh Country Report” conducted by Dhaka Ahsania Mission and sponsored by Action Aid UK for 2 months in the year 2003. He has a number of research publication on topics like child labor, social work strategy etc. Besides teaching in various government colleges, he worked as Director Administration, Directorate of Technical Education, under Ministry of Education from September 2007 to August 2009. He is working as Secretary, Bangladesh Technical Education Board under Ministry of Education from September 2009 to till today.

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Keynote Speaker


FEATURE

Friendship Weaving Centers: Breaking New Grounds of Friendship, a value based non-governmental

Rural Bangladesh is a beautiful tapestry of colors, organization that works with poor and marginalized

sights and smells. This tapestry remains incomplete communities. These weaving centers employ women

without the people that create the stories and reflect from these remote localities to produce truly beautiful

the soul behind this rural backdrop. Northern and authentically made scarves and saris using

Bangladesh is one such area where mighty rivers bend traditional looms.

and twist across the landscape set on the sandy river Beautifully Woven Products: Handmade in

islets that skitter across the rivers are where Bangladesh

Friendship Weaving Centers are situated. An initiative Locally sourced and carefully selected cotton, cotton

Colors from the Chars


yarn, spun silk and silk yarn are used to create these

beautiful products. The use of both natural and Azo

free color dye to create the vivid patterns ensures

minimal environmental impact. There is good

demand for these authentically made scarves both at

home and abroad. These scarves are currently being

sold in a few Western European countries with the

support of Friendship Luxembourg, one of

Friendship's large network of supporters based in

Europe. The scarves are currently being designed by

Luxembourg based designers Anne-Marie Herckes

and Virginie Depoorter.

Friendship has seven weaving centers, five of which

has dying and printing facilities running successfully

in the northern river islet regions of Bangladesh and

employing over two hundred women in the

production of gorgeous and vibrant scarves, saris and

various other types of ethnic wear of cotton and silk.

These weaving centers provide a healthy alternative to

the mass manufacturing centric garment industry in

Bangladesh. Worker empowerment, quality,

personalization and fair trade are at the heart of all

clothing items produced here.

These handmade scarves have won the World Crafts

Council Award of Excellence for Handicrafts in the

Asia Pacific Region this year. Apart from this they

have been featured in a recent 'Rock A Field' concert

in Luxembourg this June.

There is a story behind every scarf: Empowering

Women

Friendship's weaving centers are breaking new

grounds, not only by being the first cottage industry in reach areas. The organization's goal is to help char the chars (shifting river islets), but also, even more dwellers to develop basic skills and provide an importantly, for being a unique establishment that infrastructure that will help these communities to get focuses on women. Friendship provides them with out of the poverty trap and give them sustainable skill-building and income generating opportunities of opportunities and possibilities. The organization their own, as well as providing them access to literacy started to work through providing both primary and courses which are an integral part of this program. secondary healthcare through the innovative concept They serve as a symbol for women's empowerment in of Floating Hospitals. Friendship currently has three the face of disempowering forces such as social floating hospitals, namely the Lifebuoy Friendship conventions and self-inhibition. In addition to Hospital sponsored by Unilever, the Emirates transforming the male dominant mind-sets of the Friendship Hospital sponsored by the Emirates chars, this initiative also gives women and adolescent Foundation and the Rongdhonu Friendship Hospital girls a sense of self-worth and prestige that comes which was formerly the Rainbow Warrior II donated from being earning members of their community. to Friendship by Greenpeace. Friendship expanded With growing concern around the world of the the scope of its work to Education, Sustainable working conditions in Readymade Garments Economic Development, Good Governance, industries, Friendship's weaving centers provide an Disas te r Manag ement & Infras t r uc tura l alternative to buyers of responsible and fair Development and Cultural Preservation. industries. Runa Khan is the Founder and Executive Director of

Friendship. She has won multiple awards including the About Friendship: Realization Leads To Responsibility Rolex Award for Enterprise in 2006, Social Runa Khan Entrepreneur Award from the Schwab Foundation in Friendship is a value- based non-governmental 2012 and is an Ashoka Fellow since 1994 for her work organization that works with poor and marginalized with disenfranchised communities in Bangladesh.communities. It was established in Bangladesh in 2002

For more information about Friendship, please visit: www.friendship-bd.orgby Runa Khan with the aim of providing essential Our scarves are currently being sold here: www.friendship.lu/shop

To know more about our products and weaving center please email us: [email protected] basic services to the most inaccessible and hard to

Chars are low lying flood and erosion prone islets adjacent to major rivers. These are formed by the constant deposition of sand and silt and fragmentation. These nomadic islands are temporary due to constant erosion caused by the powerful flow of rivers.

O


FEATURE

Painting for Joy An exhibition of paintings by victims of the

Rana Plaza tragedy leaves the spectators

with awe

On 24 April, 2013 the Rana Plaza complex, including dramatic shift in their lives and were wither taken out

its five factories collapsed, claiming the lives of more of school, were taken away from their familiar

than 1,135 workers and injuring 2400 more. The surroundings and family support, and in some cases,

tragic loss of lives has not only had an enormous the child had not been taken care of at all. The

impact on the victims' relatives but also on the vulnerability and critical circumstances of these

garment manufacturing industry, international young victims' stress needed urgent and continuous

stakeholders, and the international garment business. support and a focused attention into the details of all

Savar Victims Support (SVS) quickly took care of the aspects of the these children's lives.

most vulnerable victims of the this tragedy, who were To expand the type of support provided to the

formerly garment workers at the Rana Plaza children and, in view of the dire need for the children

complex. SVS also supports a group of of 27 to have an opportunity for recreation in their difficult

orphans with financial contributions, emotional circumstances, a series of Recreation Days for the

support, and sustained follow-up visits at Savar. children was started last spring.

With the collapse of Rana Plaza the lives of these The Recreations days are designed to ensure that the

children have inexplicably been changed forver. children receive full attention, dedication and

When the children were first introduced to the devotion. They deserve an interactive and

program, they had a hard time communicating or educational environment that would facilitate their

sharing their feelings, opening up or simply making development, and help them make sustained

eye-contact. A large portion of the children had progress toward full recovery.

difficulty sleeping, eating and speaking. The children The recreationsl Days have proven to be very

suffered trauma over the loss of their mother or effective in providing a recreational outlet for the

father, and in some cases both. Besides, the loss of traumatized children. The children spend the whole

their parents, most of the children experienced a day in a cheerful atmosphere, each and every one of


them smile, enjoy, laugh and are able to

express themselves creatively. A real

change can be seen among children

when they are given the opportunity to

enjoy themselves and this shall

continue to remain an important

aspect of the support provided to

them. 9 Recreation Days have already

been held with intial suppprt from a

private donation from doctors and

friends from Michigan in the US, an

SME ground water firm Ribeka

GmBH in Germany, and finally

followed by a sponsorship from

ADLER Modermärkte AG.

One of the most important wowed by the amazing drawings the children came up with. components of the children's Some of them were very colorful and showed the sunny side Recreation Day is letting the children create art. Surprisingly of their present lives while some had dark, grim presentation children express things through their art that they don't have and thought-provoking. And for those the event was words for yet. Creating art expands a child's ability to interact organized-those children enjoyed it to the fullest as they with the world around them, and provides a new set of skills

for self-expression and communication. The organizers were enjoyed 100% freedom to pour their heart out on the white

papers with colors.

SVS: By the Numbers

The program provides support to young mothers who

were pregnant and employed garment workers at the time of

Rana Plaza and have since given birth.

There are 27 half and full orphans in the program.

Rana Plaza victims were admitted in GK Dhanmondi

Hospital and GK Savar Hospital from July 2013 to October

2014 receiving free treatment (including meal).

In total patients have been treated in hospital outdoor,

Indoor and in medical camps

Through the sponsorship of Adler and KiK textilien monthly

monetary support can be provided to the most vulnerable

victims of Rana Plaza. Each beneficiary receives taka to

cover basic needs such as housing, clothing, and food.

35

120

724

3.000

Savar Victims Support has been on the frontline of the Rana Plaza disaster,

providing relief to those in need. The objective has been to assist the Rana Plaza

victims and dependents with medical treatment and essential needs over a

limited period of time. Successful implementation has led to the expansion of

the reach of the program to include components for rehabilitation, recreation,

and education. Savar Victims Support works actively and responsively and

adapts and expands the program to suit the needs of the victims. From the

commencement of Savar Victims Support the team has worked firstly for urgent

relief, secondly stabilization, and finally for rehabilitation.

To know more, please contact Meena e.V.Saver Victims Support

Farhana von Mitzlaff, [email protected] de Jong, Communication [email protected]


FEATURE

SR Asia international conference held at deliberations and inputs.

Bangladesh Bank training Academy (BBTA) Mirpur Dy Govenror Mr. S K Sur Chowdhury gave facts

Dhaka, Bangladesh. The two days conference was figures of the various initiatives taken by BB and

organized on responsible business conduct (RBC) positive outcome of the same.

and further discuss sub theme of poverty alleviation SR Asia conducted a survey on “Poverty Alleviation

and financial inclusion. Conference was inaugurated through CSR 2014” in association with BGCCI

by Bangladesh Bank Governor Dr. Atiur Rahman (Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce &

with key note address to full gathering of over 300 Industries” and SR Asia international director Mr.

delegates from various countries and across sectors Birendra Raturi shared survey and research analysis

and institution. BGCCI was the industrial partner with the emphasis that only and only business can

of the conference. Sumaya Rashid shared the change the menace of poverty by positive and

conference objective and agenda. sustained development work. He cited many past

The Governor shared key figures, issues and polices and current innovations by the individual

relating to RBC in Bangladesh, the robust economy technocrats, scientist and economist who made

and growing foreign exchange and second highest phenomenal contribution to the human kind in the

on FI in the region. He highlighted some forward field of computer hardware and software, IT and

looking polices for FIs in Bangladesh in the time to Telecom, Energy like LED, Medicine, Microfinance

come. The Governor declared open the conference and governance.

sharing his key note address for further The survey and research results indicate for

SR Asia International Conference

Took Place in Dhaka


Bangladesh that Business can not be responsible organizations meeting the policy guideline. GIZ

for poverty alleviation and financial inclusion shared various initiatives by them to promote

directly as they contribute significantly through solar energy and many challenges for the sector

economic development, creating job opportunity to get funding. IIDFC shared inspiring case study.

and have primary responsibility to run the Skill Development and poverty alleviation

business and make it run successfully. The survey session was chaired by Mr. Khondkar Mostan

clearly highlighted the need of skill development, Hossian, Joint Secretary with Ministry of Labor

job oriented education and labour intensive & Employment Government of Bangladesh. He

manufacturing and export promotion. shared his ministry actively working national skill

Session on poverty alleviation through financial development program. Other experts who joined

inclusion was chaired by DG-BIBM. Dr. him were from Srilanka and ILO Bangladesh.

Somporn Hanpongpandh an Integrated rural Srilankan Expert shared how their organization

Development expert to CIRDAP from Malaysia over forty years' experience in skill development

shared and discussed the financial inclusion in various areas is contributing and holistically

research data of Asia. He said it was important to promoting education. The organization annual

focus on rural areas and develop sector like train more than 25000 persons. ILO shared their

agriculture, education and development projects. role in educating Rana Plaza victim for

DFID discussed various innovative projects they employability. ILO currently training the accident

have undertaken in Bangladesh for livelihood and victim emotionally and technically those who

sustainable poverty alleviation. PKSF shared became disabled.

collateral free loans to the poor but strict recovery International standards, guidelines and tools for

by enforcing the project implementation, poverty alleviation was chaired by the former

monitoring and evaluation. secretary, Government of Bangladesh Dr.

Fazual Haq fromer President of BKMEA Mahafuzal Haque. He articulated the relevance

chaired the session on international standards as of such standards in developing and building

enablers to the export. He emphasized that Bangladesh for 2021. Ms. Rumi Ariyoushi first

organization no more can think and act local in Secretary with Japan Embassy in Bangladesh

the age of global markets and requirements and discussed in detail the Japanese philosophy and

at the same. time responsible business conduct holistic approach of responsible business

that means ensure social responsibility can not be conduct in Asian countries. She also made

done away to make the meaningful contribution reference to the OECD guideline for MNC and

to the social development. Other speakers shared emphasized nine areas covered. She also put RBC

their own experiences on how of late now CSR as compliance, and common sense of prosperity

and RBC initiatives are evaluated as part of the and fair action. She also explained Asian way of

preliminary assessment for supplier registration. sustainability ( Sanpo Yoshi) in detail and pitch

As country like Bangladesh would like to increase for the individual sprit to think as “make my

its export with significant percentage adopting company's survive long period and make my life

and adapting to international standards is the meaningful”.

only choice and better choice otherwise go and Impact of climatic change on poverty was

perish. Director Export promotion Bureau chaired by Md. Abdul Karim Former Secretary

shared how they have been able to promote Govt of Bangladesh and MD PKSF. He brought

successfully and incrementally over the years. up initiatives of social engagement and financial

Green Banking and CSR in sustainable energy inclusion by PKSF in the coastal regions and

sector, the session was chaired by the Vice hardship of the poor's in the region. Concern

Chancellor Northern University Bangladesh. worldwide shared various initiatives in the costal

DGM CSR and GB shared the policies on the regions and innovative solutions implemented.

sector to promote green energy. He shared the The climatic impact will not be limited to the

green products have been identified and fund dwellers on costal regions but to the migrants

allocation are made to promote these products. from the regions and therefore a holistic

He asked public and private sectors banks to take approach to mitigate all risk is required shared the

it up on priorities. Energy Pac CEO shared the experts.

products range already developed by their

bgcci magazine: gsr issue

Documents

german businesses

bangladesh dreams

sustainability of businesses

gsr conference participants

making profits

members of bgcci

leather industry

sr asia conference