The Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) have signed a strategic partnership. The collaboration aims to strengthen sustainability transparency across Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector.

The agreement supports the Improving Transparency for Sustainable Business (ITSB) initiative. It is a multi-year programme that helps businesses identify, manage, and report sustainability impacts using the GRI Standards.

According to a press release, the partnership formalises collaboration between BGMEA and GRI that began in 2025. Since then, BGMEA has supported transparent and sustainable business practices across the sector.

The initiative will help companies meet evolving global reporting requirements. It will also help them address the expectations of buyers, investors, regulators, workers, and other stakeholders.

In addition, the partnership will organise training sessions and workshops. These activities will bring together businesses, regulators, industry associations, and investors. The goal is to strengthen sustainability reporting in line with the GRI Standards.

The collaboration will also allow Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector to contribute to the development of global sustainability reporting standards. Businesses and stakeholders will share feedback through consultations. Their input will help shape future reporting frameworks.

The Sustainability Nexus (SusNex), ITSB’s training and outreach partner in Bangladesh, will deliver locally tailored training programmes. It will also coordinate stakeholder engagement activities.

According to the release, nearly 300 participants attended ITSB events in May and July. They represented businesses, industry associations, regulators, and other stakeholder groups. The sessions focused on improving sustainability reporting practices.

Bastian Buck, GRI’s Chief of Standards, said the partnership would expand the application of the GRI Standards across Bangladesh’s textile and apparel sector. He added that the initiative would also enable the industry to contribute to GRI’s Textile and Apparel Sector Standard.

Wasim Zakariah, Chairman of BGMEA’s Standing Committee on Responsible Business Hub and Sustainability Reporting, said Bangladesh’s garment industry has made significant progress in sustainability and workplace safety. He noted that the partnership would help businesses improve sustainability reporting. It would also strengthen impact disclosure and help companies meet the evolving expectations of international buyers, investors, and regulators.

Source: The Business Standard