BRAC University and BKMEA Sign MoU to Promote Bangladeshi Fashion to the World

BRAC University (BRACU) and the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24 May 2023 at BKMEA Dhaka office to collaborate on the Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) project, Phase 2 (2022 - 2025).

Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) is an initiative that aims to contribute to the Bangladesh RMG industry through digital innovation and sustainability by providing accurate, credible, and updated RMG factory information to all industry stakeholders in a manner that enables greater efficiency, productivity, accountability, and transparency.

The second phase of the project is being implemented by the Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) of BRAC University, and funded by Laudes Foundation and GIZ. The project is also supported by the Department of Inspection for Factories and Establishments (DIFE) under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of Bangladesh.

Collaboration between BRACU and BKMEA is a continuation of the first phase of MiB (2017 - 2022) where BKMEA has been playing the crucial role of “Strategic Partner” of the project and provided tremendous support for the collection of factory data from BKMEA member factories all over Bangladesh.

The signing ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including representatives from BRAC University, BKMEA, Laudes Foundation, GIZ, among others. The MoU marks an important milestone in the mission to promote the Bangladeshi RMG industry worldwide, which contributes significantly to the country's economic growth.

On behalf of BKMEA, the MoU was signed by Mr Mansoor Ahmed (Senior Vice President) and Mr Fazlee Shamim Ehsan (Vice President); where from BRACU, Dr David Dowland (Registrar) and Matin Saad Abdullah, PhD (Professor of CSE, Technical Lead of MiB) were the signatories.

The project has built a digital map [www.mappedinbangladesh.org] for export-oriented RMG entrepreneurs to showcase their products and skills to a global audience. With the help of this digital technology, MiB will help bridge the Bangladeshi RMG sector and international markets. MiB is also promoting transparency and traceability by digitizing the supply chain of the apparel industry and visualizing it to the world.

MiB has been guided by a multi-stakeholder Project Advisory Committee (PAC), including representatives of workers, NGOs, donors, researchers, buyers, and industry associations, among others.

With the support of all industry stakeholders, Mapped in Bangladesh (MiB) expects to create a digital ecosystem that connects fashion designers, manufacturers, suppliers, brands/buyers, and consumers in Bangladesh and all over the world.

MappedinBangladesh.org