TBT DESK: Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) and international organisation Open Supply Hub (OS Hub) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening transparency in the country’s apparel sector and digitally showcasing factory information on a global supply chain platform.

The agreement is expected to enhance Bangladesh’s image as one of the world’s leading apparel exporting nations by making production-related information more accessible through an open-source international platform.

The MoU was signed virtually on Sunday, according to a BGMEA press release issued on Monday. BGMEA Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan and OS Hub Senior Director of Programmes Hannah Lenett signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

Under the agreement, the two organisations will jointly develop an integrated digital database platform that will allow international buyers and stakeholders to directly access information on the location, product categories and special capabilities of Bangladesh’s garment factories.

Industry insiders believe the initiative will strengthen global sourcing connections and improve business transparency across the supply chain.

As part of the partnership, information and locations of BGMEA member factories will be incorporated into OS Hub’s global supply chain mapping platform. Each factory will receive a “Universal OS ID” generated through the OS Hub algorithm, enabling global brands, retailers and researchers to accurately identify factories and ensure greater data transparency.

The agreement also includes capacity-building initiatives, such as online workshops and training programmes for factory owners and managers to improve digital profile management skills.

In addition, the collaboration seeks to reduce repetitive audit and reporting requirements by improving interoperability and information exchange among different platforms.

OS Hub is an internationally recognised organisation that operates a global supply chain mapping platform aimed at ensuring open access to supply chain information.

BGMEA officials said the partnership would further strengthen traceability and data accuracy throughout the apparel production and marketing process.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Hannah Lenett said the partnership would provide each factory with a unique digital profile that would not only ensure data accuracy but also highlight factories’ social and environmental progress to the global market.

“We believe this initiative will help international brands and retailers make informed sourcing decisions and position Bangladesh’s apparel industry as more modern and responsible,” she said.

BGMEA Vice-President Vidiya Amrit Khan described the partnership as a milestone in building a transparent and traceable supply chain.

Referring to stricter sustainability-related legal requirements in the European Union and changing global trade conditions, she said reliable data has become an essential business necessity rather than an optional issue.

“This agreement will increase the visibility of our member factories in the global market and further establish Bangladesh as a sustainable sourcing destination,” she added.

BGMEA Director Shah Rayeed Chowdhury said supply chain transparency is the foundation of sustainable trade.