Compliance support infrastructure and services - European Commission
In an attempt to diversify Bangladesh’s production and export base, the European Commission supported the BQSP between 2006 and 2010. The total amount of the project was €13.5 million and the European Commission contributed with €10 million. Activities under the programme aimed, among other, to help the private sector understand quality and packaging requirements in export markets (especially European markets) and to apply the value chain approach to enhance competitiveness.
Under the programme, the competiveness and innovation of the textile and garment industry has improved thanks to strengthened institutions like the “Nation al Institute of Textile Training Research and Design” and the “BGMEA Institute of Fashion and Technology”. To address the limited facilities for internationally accepted safety, quality and performance tests, the National Metrology Institute was instituted to ensure the accuracy and traceability of various products. In addition, the programme initiated the setting up of the Bangladesh Accreditation Board to ensure that the national certificates are internationally recognised. The Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institute underwent a strengthening process through capacity building in standard setting, and the National Institute for Technology Research and Design was upgraded.
As a follow-up to the BQSP, in 2010 the European Commission embarked on the Better Work and Standards Programme (BEST) which run until 2014. The objective of the BEST is to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction by increasing consumer and worker protection and taking advantage of the opportunities of global markets.
The TBT programme, which will be implemented in the period 2013-2017 with a budget of €15 million, will strengthen the capacity of ACP countries and regions to tackle technical barriers to trade on external markets. In addition, the programme will support ACP countries in the definition and enforcement of legitimate and adequately harmonized technical regulations on internal markets.