NRP publishes study on increasing resilience of RMG supply chains

November 19, 2020

©UNDP Bangladesh

UNDP’s National Resilience Programme revealed the findings of their study on the supply chain resilience of readymade garments sector of Bangladesh at a workshop on November 18, 2020 (Wednesday). Organised at the NEC Conference Room, the workshop was inaugurated by Planning Minister MA Mannan as the chief guest.

State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Dr Md Enamur Rahman attended the programme as the special guest. Md Ashadul Islam, senior secretary of the Planning Division, presided over the workshop

Md Mohsin, secretary of the Ministry of Disaster Management and Relief; Dr Rubana Huq, president of BGMEA; Van Nguyen, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh; Lisa Andersson, First Secretary of the Embassy of Sweden; Khandker Ahsan Hossain, Chief of Programming Division, and Dr Nurun Nahar, Project Director of NRP-Programming Division, took part in the workshop.  

Based on their study, NRP consultants suggested developing a strategy for disaster resilient supply chain, adopting the riverine route as an alternative, and developing affiliated structure and facilities along Dhaka-Chittagong corridor to efficiently transport RMG products. Additionally, the study recommended bringing necessary regulatory reforms, establishment of institutions and conducting studies for mainstreaming disaster and climate change-related risks into the RMG supply chain. The study also suggested an action matrix  for different ministries. State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief assured that it would be placed in next meeting of Inter-Ministerial Committee on Disaster Management


Planning Minister MA Mannan suggested focusing on resilience in every sector to provide a holistic solution as a nation. He agreed on Dr Rubana Huq’s point on focusing on the resilience of RMG workers for ensuring the resilience of the whole sector. The minister emphasised promoting social dialogue engaging the stakeholders for overcoming the issues, including the supply chain resilience.

BGMEA President Dr Rubana Huq said supply chain needs should be addressed with a broader perspective including the interest of the workforce engaged in the RMG sector. She also emphasised developing economic resilience for the RMG sector to address emerging shocks.

At the discussion, Khondker Golam Moazzem, research director at Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), suggested assessing the vulnerability of RMG factories and making risk profiles for informed investments.