UK Minister Duncan in city to discuss RMG issues

News - UK Minister Duncan in city to discuss RMG issues
UK’s Minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan arrived here on Monday to discuss the challenges facing workers and businesses in the garment industry.

During his stay here, the British minister will meet Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni and the Leader of the Opposition Khaleda Zia.

With the UK being the third largest single destination for exports from Bangladesh and amid growing concern among UK consumers, the minister is keen to explore how working conditions and worker safety can be improved in the garment industry in the wake of Rana Plaza collapse.

He will meet many of those involved in the garment supply chain, including retail buyers and workers, as the UK encourages parties to agree a way forward, said a press release.

During this visit, his third in as many years, the minister will also assess the latest progress made by UK aid towards promoting economic prosperity and development in Bangladesh.

The UK supports the government of Bangladesh’s aim to achieve middle-income status within the next decade, and backs this up by being the largest bilateral grant donor in the country, with an aid programme which will directly help millions of the poorest people.

Duncan previously visited Bangladesh in July 2010 and June 2011.

Source: UNB Connect