Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley on Saturday lauded the green initiatives taken by the local readymade garment (RMG) factories and said the EU is proud of being the largest customer of Bangladeshi made apparel items.
The ambassador was speaking after visiting Narayanganj's Mithela Textile Industries Limited (MTIL) - a factory certified by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED, or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design.
Trade of about 19 billion euro was made last year, he said, adding, "I have never seen (a) factory like this (Mithela Textile)...environmental-friendliness, every aspect of operations, care for workers. And they are true inspiration."
Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) organised the factory visit as part of its move to showcase the strength of the local garment industry and its progress, and brand Bangladesh.
Mr Whiteley was accompanied by foreign diplomats and high officials from Germany, Brunei, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Russia, Thailand, Nepal and Australia, and representatives from brands and buyers.
Senior secretary to the foreign affairs ministry Masud Bin Momen also visited the factory.
Later, the delegation visited Fakir Fashion Ltd in Narayanganj that employs more than 18,000 workers.
Fakir Fashion exported apparel worth about US$180 billion in the last fiscal year and is well-known for its good practices.
BGMEA President Faruque Hassan said Bangladesh has the highest number of 184 LEED certified garment factories in the world and more 500 are in the process to be certified.
The purpose of this visit was to showcase the progress and development Bangladesh has made during the last several years after the Rana Plaza building collapse, he noted.
