Bangladesh and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their dedication to advancing the textile industry through circular economy principles, emphasising sustainability as a crucial goal for both nations.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, together with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and Policy Exchange Bangladesh, hosted a workshop on circular textiles at a city hotel on Wednesday. The event aimed to foster collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders and sustainability experts to explore practical strategies for transitioning Bangladesh’s vital textile sector towards more environmentally sustainable practices.
In his opening speech, André Carstens, Head of Mission at the Dutch Embassy in Dhaka, highlighted the importance of partnerships and joint efforts in promoting circularity within the industry. Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary of the Bangladesh Ministry of Commerce, echoed similar view, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable industrial development and praising the initiative for providing an inclusive platform for stakeholders.
The full-day workshop covered diverse topics, including circular design, innovative business models, waste management, recycling techniques and cleaner production methods. Industry representatives from various segments such as knitting, spinning, dyeing, weaving and garment manufacturing, shared insights into current challenges and potential solutions to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
Notable attendees included Md. Ariful Hoque, Director General of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority; Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association; MA Jabbar, Managing Director of DBL Group; and Shams Mahmud, Managing Director of Shasha Denims Ltd.
The event signifies continued effort by Bangladesh and the Netherlands to collaborate on sustainable development within the textile industry, a key driver of Bangladesh’s economy.
