The Ministry of Commerce (MoC), in collaboration with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH under the Sustainability in the Textile Sector (STILE‑II) project, convened a high‑level policy discussion on product traceability on 30 November 2025 at the MoC conference room, chaired by its secretary, Mahbubur Rahman.
BUILD provided thematic and research support for this activity under the STILE‑II project of GIZ. In her keynote presentation, Ferdaus Ara Begum, chief executive officer of BUILD, highlighted that strengthening product traceability has become a critical national priority as global markets, particularly the European Union, have introduced new requirements linked to the circular economy, Digital Product Passports (DPP), responsible business conduct, and sustainability disclosures. With 92 per cent of Bangladesh–EU trade concentrated in the RMG sector, Bangladesh must align its policies with EU Green Deal requirements by approximately 2030.
The keynote underscored significant challenges, including data validation, interoperability, institutional coordination, and initial compliance costs. Drawing on international experiences from Vietnam, China, Japan, Korea, and India, she noted that public–private co‑investment has been central to building robust traceability ecosystems. She emphasised the need for a national traceability strategy supported by sector‑specific measures, adding the requirement for a jhut sector directory, institutional frameworks for traceability, expanded data infrastructure, and the introduction of green financing options to help Bangladesh’s industry implement traceability solutions.
Mahbubur Rahman, secretary of the MoC, referring to examples from Germany, emphasised the urgent need to establish a digital platform for data exchange and, in that respect, requested support from development partners. He also initiated the drafting of a national traceability strategy, which can include plans for sector‑specific traceability pilots under the leadership of the MoC and with technical support from GIZ.
Additionally, he inaugurated the activities of a multi-stakeholder dialogue platform, chaired by the export wing of the MoC and comprising members from both the public and private sectors. This platform will convene policy discussions around key sustainability topics, including the proposed traceability policy. He advised the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) to initiate a project to explore data transparency and governance issues by extending support to exporters in obtaining unique IDs, building on the EPB’s experience with implementing REX.
Representatives from the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and the leather sector shared updates on ongoing sector‑specific pilot initiatives.
BGMEA Director Sheikh H. M. Mustafiz stated that RMG entrepreneurs are facing difficulties due to data requirements from various quarters, including brands, buyers, and private consultants. It is challenging for them to meet the requirements of multiple platforms, which do not yet follow a global or uniform standard. Therefore, a unified national standard or guideline would significantly streamline compliance and reduce costs.
First Secretary of the German Embassy in Dhaka, Jannis Hussain, highlighted two major challenges: data availability and generation, as well as the required digital infrastructure, which has significant cost implications for suppliers.
The event brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, private-sector actors, and development partners to advance national-level dialogue on product traceability, an urgent prerequisite for sustaining Bangladesh’s export competitiveness in the context of evolving EU market regulations and post-LDC graduation challenges.
The policy discussion reinforced these objectives by examining how improved traceability systems can boost export credibility, promote circularity, and ensure compliance with emerging sustainability and due diligence requirements in global markets.
Abdur Rahim Khan, Additional Secretary and Wing Chief of the Export Wing of the MoC, emphasised the importance of due diligence, citing examples from Thailand and Cambodia, and suggested establishing a national project implementation unit (PIU). Joint Secretary of the Planning Wing, Mostofa Jamal Haider, also highlighted how traceability can help Bangladesh negotiate more effectively in a post-LDC landscape.
Public-sector representatives, including BSTI, BCSIR, BPC, ERD, and the Planning Commission, were present, along with representatives from various textile and apparel associations, the leather sector, the fisheries sector, and other stakeholders who spoke on the occasion.