Deeper collaborations with Swisscontact and the relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh underscored to build a sustainable RMG (readymade garment) skills development ecosystem.
Participants observed this at significant networking and experience-sharing event titled "Fabric of Change: Role of Swisscontact in Upskilling RMG Workers in Bangladesh hosted by Swisscontact at the Renaissance Dhaka Gulshan Hotel on Monday, says a press release.
The event highlighted Swisscontacts pivotal role in transforming Bangladeshs Ready-Made Garments (RMG) sector through innovative projects.
This event showcased the experience of Swisscontacts three projects: Sarathi: Improving Financial Health, Promoting Green Growth in the Ready-Made Garments Sector Through Skills (PROGRESS), and Building Youth Employability through Skills (BYETS).
The gathering commenced with opening remarks by Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh, Mujibul (Cezanne) Hasan, followed by a keynote address delivered by Nadia Afrin Shams, Team Leader of BYETS. Senior managers from Swisscontacts flagship projects - Salma Akhter (Sarathi), Mir Rafiat Salman (PROGRESS), and Md Muntasir (BYTES) - provided detailed insights into their respective skill development initiatives.
"Its not about ending the project with the hope that someone will continue it. We ensure that the work weve done will be carried on in a commercially viable manner." said Country Director of Swisscontact Bangladesh, Mujibul (Cezanne) Hasan.
Special guests, including BKMEA Director Mohammad Sohel Sadat, Vice President, Md. Akhter Hossain Apurbo, Rajesh Bheda Consulting BD Pvt. Limited CEO and Managing Director, Dr. Rajesh Bheda and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange Director of Strategic Engagements Omar Gias, contributed valuable insights during the panel discussion.
In his closing remarks, Fazle Razik, Head of Programme at Swisscontact Bangladesh, said: "We try to create a solution that generates sustainable, durable, and scalable impact. We aim to develop solutions that go beyond being a mere band-aid; our solutions should not only heal the wound but also promote overall health. Creating such a solution requires all kinds of stakeholders contribution with their unique efforts."
Established in 1959, Swisscontact has been a driving force in sustainable development globally and continues to impact over 170,000 individuals annually in Bangladesh alone.
" Projects like Sarathi, Progress, and Byets are essential, and we need to develop models and financial designs that are affordable and effective. Given our high dependency on RMG, we have no alternative but to work collectively and collaborate together." BKMEA Director Mohammad Sohel Sadat mentioned.
"We must encourage women workers, but they need to undergo training before joining our new venture for an improved and forward-looking RMG industry." BKMEA Vice President, Md. Akhter Hossain Apurbo.
Over the last twenty years, Swisscontact Bangladesh has supported nearly 250,000 young people, half of whom are women, through a total of 11 completed and ongoing projects focused on skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship. In addition, Swisscontact Bangladesh maintains active partnerships with more than 50 private training providers. These collaborations aim to enhance curriculum quality, improve training delivery methods, strengthen trainers skills, and establish strong ties with industries to ensure optimal job placements for trainees.
