The Dhaka Apparel Summit 2014 was held from December 7 to 9. It was hosted by the Bangladesh Garments Manufacturers' and Exporters' Association. The event provided the country’s readymade garment exporters an opportunity to present Bangladesh as a strong and reliable brand before participating stakeholders. Its aim was to highlight the recent progress achieved in fire and electrical safety and the sound working environment that has been established in factory units.

Bangladesh hopes to reach a milestone of $50 billion in exports by 2021. Right now it is contributing five per cent share to the total global apparel demand. This endeavor is to open and frame a sustainable roadmap on building responsible supply chains in the textile and garment sector by regaining the positive image of the industry in the global apparel market.

The summit was attended by around 57 global speakers, along with representatives of the governments of home and partner countries, international organisations, employers, private sector employers and workers. Among the issues discussed were business and investment trends, global sourcing dynamics, compliance issues, coordination between different government agencies, product and market diversification, resource efficiency and its social, financial and economic benefits, environmental health and safety.