Dhaka seeks greener value chain for Asian SMEs
Cleaner production will minimise environmental impacts, says Amu at the 7th Regional 3Rs Forum
UNB
Industries minister Amir Hossain Amu has called for undertaking resource efficiency action plans focusing on green SMEs to have a greener value chain in Asia and the Pacific region, reports UNB.
Amu, now in Australia, also laid emphasis on green entrepreneurship for the companies of the future and access to the markets for green SMEs with more competitiveness and sustainability.
The industries minister was addressing a plenary session on Greening SMEs towards Resource Efficiency at the 7th Regional 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) Forum in Asia and the Pacific in South Australia yesterday.
Dr Sarah King from Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and KD Bhardwaj from NPC, India made separate presentations, according to industries ministry here. The industries minister said green SMEs adopt green processes to produce green goods by using green production inputs.
The SMEs operating in eco-design, green architecture, renewable energy, energy efficiency, sustainability in a word resource efficiency are spearheading the transition to green economy across a wide range of industries, he said.
The path to green economy is achieved by making the responsible use of production, technology and management practices by the green SMEs, said Amu. The industries minister said Bangladesh formulated the National 3R-strategy for waste management and resource efficiency at national level in 2010.
Explaining why Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) should be focused on resource efficiency and green productivity, Amu said SMEs using recyclables as raw material work closely with informal sector and create demand for fresh recyclables in the market.
Addressing another session, Amu said the recycling of e-waste is required to be regulated due to the presence of hazardous constituents in the components of waste electrical and electronic assemblies.
The encouragement of cleaner production and eco-design practice within each manufacturing sector will minimise environmental impact, he said.
Amu said Bangladesh earned the recognition of the global community for its relentless efforts to advance development and prosperity and commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by winning the South South Award and South South Cooperation Visionary Award.
He said setting up of Common Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) will be very effective to reduce environmental pollution and make economic use of generated waste.
Strengthening the infrastructure of regulatory bodies should be effective for the enforcement of regulations towards waste disposal in the industrial area, Amu said.
