ATTI Joins HSBC, Aii, Sweden and EU Roundtable on Clean Energy for Bangladesh's Apparel Sector
ATTI Joins HSBC, EU, Sweden and Aii Roundtable on Clean Energy for Bangladesh's Apparel Sector
ATTI and the ATTI Bangladesh Chapter were honoured to take part in a high-level roundtable titled “Advancing Decarbonisation for Apparel in a Changing Energy Landscape”, which took place in Dhaka on 2 September. The event was convened by HSBC Bangladesh, the Apparel Impact Institute (Aii), the Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh and the Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh.
Leading manufacturers from ATTI Bangladesh joined representatives from government, global brands, financial institutions and development partners to discuss how Bangladesh can accelerate access to reliable, competitive clean energy for its apparel industry.
A Commercial Case for Clean Energy
Discussions focused on the fact that expanding access to clean energy is not only an environmental imperative but a growing commercial and competitiveness opportunity. As international markets, including the European Union, introduce more sustainability requirements, greater access to reliable and competitively priced renewable energy can reinforce Bangladesh’s position as a leading apparel sourcing destination by helping manufacturers cut emissions and energy costs, meet the expectations of global brands, and attract investment.
The event opened with remarks from Olivia Windham Stewart, ATTI's Initiative Director, and moderator for the day’s event; followed by a formal welcome from Olle Lundin, Chargé d'Affaires at the Embassy of Sweden
Keynote Remarks
Kristina Elinder-Liljas of Aii delivered the opening keynote, highlighting Aii's research on Bangladesh's significant potential to reduce emissions across global apparel supply chains - noting an estimated USD 6.6 billion in investment is needed to reach 50% decarbonisation of the sector by 2030. She was joined in the keynote session by Kim Hellström of H&M Group, as well as Randolph Brazier and Justin Wu of HSBC, who shared their perspectives on Bangladesh's clean energy potential.
AKM Sohel, Additional Secretary at the Economic Relations Division (ERD), Ministry of Finance, also addressed the audience, offering perspectives on the financial landscape for the sector's transition.
Roundtable DIacussion
The roundtable discussion was opened by Ms Vidiya Amrit Khan, Vice President of BGMEA and President of ATTI Bangladesh.
Contributions followed from Dewan Nurul Islam of BESTSELLER and Mohammad Wasiuzzaman, Environmental Sustainability, PUMA South Asia & EMEA; Kamran Sadique, Managing Director of MBM Group, Co-Chair of the BGMEA Decarbonisation Committee and ATTI Bangladesh Chair; Sayef Tanzeem Qayyum of IFC, World Bank Group; Md. Mahfuzar Rahman, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Power, Energy and Mineral Resources; Clare Sierawski, Managing Director of Kinetic Coalition, part of the Centre for Climate and Energy Solutions; and Mahbub ur Rahman, CEO of HSBC Bangladesh.
Closing Remarks
Following the roundtable discussion, closing remarks were delivered by Mr Sarwar Hossain, Deputy Governor of Bangladesh Bank, and H.E. Michael Miller, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Bangladesh.
ATTI was also delighted to welcome the participation of ATTI Bangladesh Chapter Representatives, Rafia Anowar, Maisha Khan, Faiaz Rahman and ATTI Bangladesh Lead Sajjadul Alam, alongside representatives of supporting brands and initiatives.
ATTI is grateful to HSBC, Aii, the Embassy of Sweden in Dhaka, and to the Delegation of the EU to Bangladesh for its support and contributions.
Key takeaways from this event and more news from ATTI Bangladesh are coming soon!
Wider Coverage
Several news sources covered the Roundtable including The Financial Express and The Business Standard, and others.
To see all the coverage, visit our Media and Events page.
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