More than 105 trade associations representing the textile, retail, energy, agricultural, electronics, and medical industries have joined forces to safeguard trade with the Red Sea, which is now governed by the Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, from future attacks.
Apex trade associations from Bangladesh have already joined the global campaign. These include the Leathergoods and Footwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Bangladesh (LFMEAB), the Bangladesh Knitwear Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BKMEA), and the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA).
The American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) launched the campaign on February 8.
The campaign’s goal is for nations to cooperate to ensure the security of commercial ships traveling across the Red Sea and stop the attacks that happened in December of last year from happening again.
Shipping companies had to halt their original route and switch to a considerably longer one that connects around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope when the Houthis launched their attack in October of last year.
The International Apparel Federation’s secretary general, Matthijs Crietee, claims that cargo valued at over US$80 billion has been redirected around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope.
