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Myanmar Garment Industry Forum 2024: A Two-Day Multi-Stakeholders Dialogue Acknowledged Collaborations & Collective Action

On 18 January 2024, the EU-funded MADE in Myanmar and SMART Factories program continued the second day of the two-day conference, the Myanmar Garment Industry Forum 2024, co-organized by EuroCham Myanmar and sequa gGmbH. The forum convened over 160 participants, representing diverse stakeholders such as global brands, local and foreign-owned factories, garment manufacturers associations, labor rights organisations, social partners, and high-level representatives from EU associations and embassies. Serving as a platform for meaningful and vibrant dialogue among multi-stakeholders, the forum aimed to find common ground for the collective good and solutions to solidify sustainable and responsible businesses for the livelihood of factory workers in the Myanmar Garment Industry. 
 
The forum witnessed a strong commitment from multi-stakeholders towards safeguarding and improving the Myanmar Garment Sector, upon which over half a million Myanmar women rely for their livelihoods. Crucial insights from the forum underscored:
 
💡 A strong commitment to due diligence, heightening expectations for all stakeholders
💡 The significance of listening to right-holders and a shift from audits towards enhanced local team presence on the ground and SMART audits
💡 Incorporating different practices of grievance mechanisms for labor rights within the industry such as apps and grievance hotlines
💡 The adjustment of wages for factory workers due to the current high inflation rates and the high cost of living which was acknowledged as the most concerning issue, requiring urgent industry-wide collective action
 
As the Myanmar Garment Industry sector navigates challenges, the forum emphasized the significance of partnerships to build trust amidst crises, creating collaboration and resilience. The collective commitment showcased at the Myanmar Garment Industry Forum 2024 paves the way for sustainable and responsible businesses, ensuring the well-being of factory workers and fortifying the resilience of the Myanmar Garment Industry.