The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the international organization Open Supply Hub (OS Hub) have signed a MoU to showcase the capabilities and transparency of Bangladesh’s ready-made garment industry to the world. Through this, Bangladesh, as one of the world’s leading garment exporters, is opening up its manufacturing sector data on an open-source global platform, a press release said.
The MoU was signed yesterday (May 10) through an online event using a digital platform. At the event, Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan on behalf of BGMEA and Hannah Lennett, the organization’s Senior Director of Programs, on behalf of Open Supply Hub, signed the MoU on behalf of their respective organizations.
BGMEA Director Shah Raeed Chowdhury, BGMEA Trade Fair Committee Chairman M. Sajedul Karim and senior officials of both organizations were present at the event.
The main objective of the signed MoU is to create an integrated digital database platform. Through this, it will be possible to directly display the location, product list and special capabilities of every garment factory in Bangladesh in the international market. This initiative will serve as a very powerful medium in terms of global sourcing and establishing business connections.
Notable aspects of the MoU:
Member Factory Mapping: The information and location of BGMEA member factories will be included in OS Hub’s global supply chain mapping platform.
Unique ID and Standardization: Each factory will be provided with a ‘Universal OS ID’ through the OS Hub algorithm. This will help global brands, retailers and researchers in identifying the correct factory and ensuring transparency of information.
Capacity building and training: Online workshops and training will be organized for factory owners and managers, so that they can become proficient in digital profile management.
Reduction of audit duplication: Efforts will be made to reduce the hassle of providing the same information repeatedly by increasing the exchange of information or interoperability between different platforms.
It is worth noting that Open Supply Hub is a renowned international organization that ensures the free flow of information by operating a global supply chain mapping platform. This strategic partnership with BGMEA will further strengthen the accuracy or traceability of information at every level, from product production to marketing.
Hannah Lennett, Senior Director of Programs at Open Supply Hub, said at the event,
Through this partnership with BGMEA, we are providing each factory with a unique digital profile, which will not only ensure the accuracy of the information, but also more clearly present the picture of the social and environmental development of the factories to the world. We believe this initiative will help international brands and retailers make informed sourcing decisions and establish Bangladesh’s garment industry as a more modern and responsible one.
BGMEA Vice President Vidya Amrit Khan said,
BGMEA’s partnership with Open Supply Hub is a milestone in creating a transparent and traceable supply chain. In the context of strict legal obligations on sustainability in the European Union and changing terms of international trade, reliable data is no longer optional, but an essential business requirement. This MoU will increase the visibility of our member factories in the global market and establish Bangladesh as a sustainable sourcing destination.
BGMEA Director Shah Raeed Chowdhury said,
“Supply chain transparency is the cornerstone of sustainable trade. This initiative with Open Supply Hub will make accurate information about our manufacturing sector easily accessible to the world. Bangladesh is fully prepared to meet the transparency and information assurance demanded by international legal frameworks like CS3D.
Both parties expressed their hope that through the signing of this MoU, Bangladesh will get the opportunity to present itself as a modern and technology-based supplier country to international buyers.
