The European Union (EU) has said it will remain closely engaged to bring lasting improvement to Bangladesh's garment industry and helping to spur prosperity into Bangladesh through EU's open market, acknowledging tangible progress on the ground. A joint statement of the European Commission marking the third anniversary of Rana Plaza tragedy said that the EU's commitment remains unchanged.

Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development, Neven Mimica, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility, Marianne Thyssen and Commissioner for Trade Cecilia Malmstrom jointly issued the statement, from Brussels. They said, an active engagement of the EU, Bangladesh and other partners concerned has brought ‘tangible progress’ on the ground.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Sustainability Compact opened a dialogue and supported exchanges with stakeholders, including trade unions, employers, buyers and NGOs in the EU, as well as in Bangladesh. Besides, essential reforms regarding effective respect of trade union rights and promotion of genuine social dialogue are still needed to ensure a better future for Bangladeshi garment industry workers, said the three Commissioners.