YANGON – A new EU programme has
been launched which aims to improve social and environmental standards in
Myanmar’s garment sector. Smart Textile & Garments will work with more than
100 garment and textile factories in Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Pathein and other
regions. With engineers and local and European experts, the project will
deliver on-site assessments and trainings on topics such as human resource
management systems and workplace communications, occupational safety and
health, chemicals & waste management, and energy efficiency.
Several international
retailers have agreed to support the new programme, including H&M, Bestseller
and C&A.
“The European Union’s unwavering commitment and support plays important role in
improving decent work conditions and responsible business practices in Myanmar.
We thank the EU for supporting this Smart Textile & Garments project,” said
Permanent Secretary U Myo Aung from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration and
Population.
“Since 2013, Myanmar’s garment sector has witnessed staggering export-oriented
growth. The garment industry has served largely the European market and created
job opportunities for thousands, mostly women. SMART Myanmar has proven to be
an extremely relevant programme in accompanying Myanmar’s apparel industry’s
shift to more sustainable practices,” added Pedro Campo Llopis, deputy
head of development cooperation at the EU Delegation to Myanmar. “Europe
is one of the world’s largest consumers markets and European consumers pay a
lot of attention where the products they buy come from and how they are
produced. Sustainable production and respect for international labour standards
are therefore important topics in the EU’s trade relations with Myanmar and
this makes our cooperation with the Myanmar garment sector through the Smart
Textiles & Garments programme so important.”
Said Jacob Clere, team leader Smart Myanmar: “We are grateful to the support
and participation of our partners over the previous years, especially the
Myanmar Garment Manufacturers Association. In cooperation with the MGMA we were
able to conduct training and consultancy programs with 299 garment,
textile and footwear factories since 2016, implementing thousands of
improvements related to safe workplaces, effective HR management and energy
efficiency, In our new project phase we aim to further strengthen sustainable
production practices and responsible supply chains in Myanmar and Europe.”
