Karachi, Sindh Chief Minister, Justice (retd) Maqbool Baqar, in a pivotal move, has directed the provincial Labour department to enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the International Accord. The decision aims to enhance the safety standards for workers within Sindh’s ready-made garment industry, leveraging the experience and methods employed by the Accord.
According to a news release by the Sindh Chief Minister’s office, a detailed meeting transpired at the CM House, where an International Accord delegation, comprising of Technical Advisor and Fire and Safety Expert Brad Lowen from Canada, Technical Advisor and Fire and Safety Engineer Danielle Antonellis from America, Head of Policy and Accountability Ms. Veronique Camere from France, and local consultant Zulfikqar Shah, engaged in comprehensive discussions with the Chief Minister. The CM’s team included Secretary Raheem Shaikh, Secretary Industries Rasheed Solangi, and Secretary Labour Shariq Ahmed.
The delegation detailed the success of the Accord model in Bangladesh since its initiation in 2013. Due to the Accord’s intervention, Bangladesh’s garment industry has transformed into one of the safest and most transparent worldwide. The country’s commitment to worker safety and industry transparency is evident, with over 2,000 factory inspections, the rectification of 120,000 safety hazards, and training provided to over two million workers, granting them access to a safety complaints mechanism.
The representatives further highlighted the model’s economic and reputational benefits for Bangladesh, noting its rising appeal to international clothing brands. This renewed interest from global brands has contributed substantially to Bangladesh’s export growth, reinforcing its position as a reliable and sustainable hub for garment production.
Drawing parallels, the delegation pointed out the recently launched Pakistan Accord, endorsed by 79 brands and encompassing 470 factories that supply to these brands, thereby benefiting an estimated 700,000 workers. The potential advantages for Pakistan, as illustrated by the delegation, encompass both workplace safety enhancements and an allure for more sustainable business. With new European due diligence laws in place, global brands are gravitating towards safer sourcing markets. The Accord, backed by over 180 brands, is poised to positively influence Pakistan’s international standing in this context.
Reinforcing his commitment to labor safety, Chief Minister Baqar referenced the unfortunate incident at Baldia factory as a stark reminder of the imperative for robust safety measures. With the directive to the Labour department to formalize an MOU with the Accord, he aims to safeguard the province’s garment workers against future hazards.