Myanmar’s garment industry will benefit from the new phase of the European Union’s (EU) SMART Textile and Garments project that will bring together brands, trade unions and business associations to boost social and environmental sustainability. The project, launched last week, will work with over 100 factories in Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Pathein and other regions.
The project will involve local and European experts and deliver on-site assessment and training on topics like human resource management systems and workplace communications, occupational safety and health, chemicals and waste management, and energy efficiency, according to a report in a newspaper report in the country.Myanmar's garment industry will benefit from the new phase of the European Union's SMART Textile and Garments project that will bring together brands, trade unions and business associations to boost social and environmental sustainability. The project, launched last week, will work with over 100 factories in Yangon, Mandalay, Bago, Pathein and other regions.#
SMART Myanmar has proven to be an extremely relevant programme in accompanying Myanmar’s apparel industry’s shift to more sustainable practices, said Pedro Campo Llopis, deputy head of development cooperation of the EU Delegation to Myanmar.
Several international retailers, including H&M, Bestseller and C&A, have agreed to support the new programme to boost performance within their Myanmar-based supply chains.
In fiscal year 2018-19, Myanmar-made garments were among the largest export categories in the country, with over $4 billion worth of garments exported, according to the Ministry of Commerce.
Since 2013, Myanmar’s garment sector has shown staggering export oriented growth. The garment industry serves largely the European market and has created job opportunities for thousands, mostly women.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)