Karachi: Delegation of International Accord in meeting with caretaker Chief Minister Sindh Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqer discussed reforms regarding security risks in garment industry in province.

Meeting was held at CM House in which members of Accord delegation included Technical Advisor for Fire and Safety Expert Canadian Brad Lowen, Technical Advisor for Fire and Safety Engineer America Daniel Antoineles, France’s Head of Policy and Accountability in International Accord Veronique Camer and Pakistan consultant Zulfiqar Shah participated while Chief Minister was assisted by Secretary Rahim Shaikh, Secretary Industry Rashid Solangi and Secretary Labour Shariq Ahmed.

Chief Minister was informed that 79 brands have signed Pakistan Accord and there is list of 470 factories supplying these brands, which are expected to employ more than 700,000 workers under programme.

Delegation said that we strongly believe that Pakistan has potential to benefit from Accord programme to improve workplace safety and focus on more sustainable businesses. Global brands are now looking for safer markets for resources due to introduction of new due diligence laws in Europe. Accord, reliable and trustworthy safety programme supported by more than 180 brands will contribute positively to country’s global credibility. Justice Baqir said that they are working to provide an environment where every worker can work under safety measures. He said that Baldia factory tragedy is terrible example. Caretaker Chief Minister directed Labour Department to sign accord with Accord to protect workers in garment industry from hazards.

Chief Minister was told that Accord model has been successfully implemented in Bangladesh since 2013. Bangladesh is now one of safest and most transparent ready-made garment industries in world. He was informed that more than 2,000 factories have been inspected, 120,000 safety hazards have been corrected and more than 2 million workers have been given workplace safety training and access to safety complaint procedures.

Chief Minister was informed that these reforms have made Bangladesh better option for international apparel brands which will help country’s exports and give sustainable image for garment manufacturing.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 27 2023

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