TÜV SÜD a Long Term Commitment to Bangladesh

TÜV SÜD – A long term commitment to Bangladesh

On 28 October 2010, TÜV SÜD participated in the Global Social Responsibility Conference of German Business as the Main Sponsor. The event, which took place in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was jointly organised by the German Embassy in Bangladesh, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ) and the Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce & Industry (BGCCI). More than 300 chief executives and managers from both Germany and Bangladesh took part in the conference. Two themes were discussed during the conference: Social Business and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

Dr. Axel Stepken, the CEO and President of TÜV SÜD AG, was invited to the event as a speaker and a panellist on the CSR Panel. During his speech, Dr. Stepken urged organizations to expand their current CSR portfolio to include social accountability of their entire supply chain. “The socially conscious and well-informed consumers are shaping the way companies operate. Consumers are not only interested in purchasing goods which are safe and of good quality but also produced in an ethical and humane work environment”, commented Dr. Stepken.

In today’s highly competitive world, a single scandal can result in irreparable brand damage. Large enterprises are thus obliged to ensure that ethical practices are observed throughout their global supply chain. Engaging an independent third party like TÜV SÜD to conduct social compliance audits on all suppliers will ensure that good social practises are upheld throughout the entire supply chain – including second and third tier suppliers. By obtaining certification according to social compliance standards, local manufacturers will also be able to gain access into international markets.

As part of the Conference Program, TÜV SÜD invited all delegates and media to join in the celebration for the inauguration of the 15,000 square-foot lab facility that specialises in the testing of textile, ready-garments and footwear products. TÜV SÜD’s operation in Bangladesh currently employs 45 people. This number is expected to increase to 130 by next year. Ishan Palit, the President and CEO of TÜV SÜD Asia Pacific, said that “The laboratory complements TÜV SÜD’s pool of technical expertise and comprehensive service portfolio. The employees here are of the highest calibre, just like the 15,000 employees we employ globally.”

The lab investments and sponsorship signify TÜV SÜD’s long term commitment to Bangladesh and support to local manufacturers and supplier to raise their bar in product quality and labor conditions.

Dr. –Ing Axel Stepken emphasized the importance of ethical sourcing in his speech.

The lab inauguration, which took place after the conference, was attended by close to 100 business partners. From left to right: Mr. Saiful Islam, President of BGCCI, Dr. –Ing Axel Stepken, CEO and President, TÜV SÜD AG, H.E. Mr. Holger Michel, Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany to Bangladesh, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Environment and Forest.

The official ribbon cutting ceremony at the laboratory. From left to right: Ishan Palit, President and CEO of TÜV SÜD Asia Pacific, Mr. Dirk Eilers, Member of the Board of Management, TÜV SÜD AG, H.E. Mr. Holger Michel, Ambassador of Federal Republic of Germany to Bangladesh, Dr. Hasan Mahmud, State Minister for Environment and Forest, Dr. –Ing Axel Stepken, CEO and President, TÜV SÜD AG, Mr. Saiful Islam, President of BGCCI, Mr. Niranjan Nadkarni, CEO, TÜV SÜD South Asia (back).